William "Russ" Gockman

William R. "Russ" Gockman, age 79, a longtime resident of Plainfield, IL and former resident of Bolingbrook, IL passed away on August 11, 2023 at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on March 2, 1944 in Chicago, IL.
Russ is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Maureen (nee Casey); his Children: Kevan (Ron) Sandack, Kelly (Jim) TenBrook, Erin (Chris) Drinkwine, Bill (Jennifer) Gockman; his grandchildren: Clare, Jack, Ryan, Lily, Eddie, Emma, Ashleigh, Russell, William, and Emmitt; his siblings: Carol, Ray, Tom, Jack, and Mary. He was a beloved brother-in-law and fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Helen (Smith) Gockman and his in-laws, Jerome and Rosemary (Fitzpatrick) Casey.
Russ attended grammar school at St.Thomas Moore and graduated Little Flower High School in 1962. He was the apple of his mother's eye and a wonderful big brother, nephew, and cousin. Highlights include hanging out at the park, smoking cigarettes, tinkering with cars, a particular brown leather jacket and meeting Maureen Casey.
Even though Rosemary and Jerry didn't initially approve of the marriage, Russ and Maureen were married in 1964 at Norwegian American Hospital because he caught his hand in a printing press. They were wed in a small ceremony with immediate family on the hospital sundeck while he recovered from surgery and skin grafts. With special permission from the Archdiocese of Chicago, a Catholic priest came and performed the ceremony. A Burny Brothers whipped cream cake (his favorite) and champagne toast was served. This celebration was finally upstaged by a proper wedding cake decades later. Russ and Maureen celebrated 25 (with a tiered wedding cake) as well as 50 years of marriage with their children and family at both events. They would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this October 17th.
Russ followed in his father's footsteps and worked as a lithographer his entire career. He worked second shift "because people who worked days were a**holes and didn't know how to drive." He was a proud union member. He retired in 2004 and started his new hobby, riding his Harley. He enjoyed collecting wood carvings from all of his travels.
He was a South Side guy, a lifelong White Sox fan, owner of all Craftsman tools, and lover of Irish whiskey. He was a Johnny Cash, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and John Fogerty aficionado. He was a continuous learner and appreciative of history, culture, and politics including pop culture! He was always available to share his opinion, good or bad.
Russ and Maureen lived in Chicago Ridge, Bolingbrook, where they raised their 4 children, and finally Plainfield. His beloved pets were their Schnauzer, Fritz, and lastly his Doberman, Casey. Russ' tidy organized garage was the envy of many, and the location of SO MANY projects.
He was a loyal neighbor and friend to many. The happy hours and gatherings on the Cochise driveway, porches, Florida lanais, and in swimming pools provided many stories, laughs, and debates.
Russ loved his grandchildren dearly. He was an amazing "Papa" who has provided countless funny and inappropriate memories for all TEN of them.
He adored and loved his daughter-in-law, Jenni, and son-in-laws, Ron, Jim, and Chris. He would tell everyone that he will be driving the bus with all of them on the way to heaven. Apparently, they are all going straight to heaven because they are married to his children.
The family is so grateful for the help and dedication of Lightways Hospice. It is an amazing organization.
For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Russ' life, memorial donations may be directed to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
A Mass celebrating the life of Russ will be held on Saturday, October 7, 11:00 AM at St. Mary Immaculate Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. Inurnment will follow at Plainfield Township Cemetery.
A continued celebration will follow at the Plainfield American Legion Marne Post #13, 24741 W. Renwick Rd., Plainfield from 1:00 until 6:00 PM.
Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield was entrusted with arrangements.