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Hammond High School

George Bocken Obituary

George had a willingness to be of assistance whenever he was called upon. Such as two years of co-chairperson of the Hammond Clean-Up-Paint-Up-Fix-Up Campaign under the direction of Mayor Vernon Anderson and chairperson of the Railroad Relocation Committee under Mayor Joseph Klen, going to Washington, D.C. and bringing back a substantial financing for that purpose. Dedicated to professionalism in serving hundreds of bereaved families, he was a leader among his professional peers. He was Past President of the Lake County Funeral Directors Association. George was the recipient in 1993 of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Presidential Award for Outstanding Distinguished Service. George's own evaluation of satisfaction was, "The greatest satisfaction came when doing the Lord's work. I am thoroughly convinced that being a funeral director for me was a divine calling." He had served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Building Committee Member for new construction, plus others. He enjoyed singing gospel songs and had an awareness of the blessings of Christ, especially when worshipping. George had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Highland for over 50 years and presently he and his wife, Dorothy, are members of Hessville Assembly of God. He has been a member of Gideon's International for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to Huntington's Disease: Hope Through Research, 505-8th Ave., Suite 902, New York, NY 10018. Friends may sign the guest register at www.nwitimes.com/obituaries. For further information, call Bocken Funeral Home at (219) 844-1600.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for George Bocken

34 Entries

Candace Lessie Donnelly

February 10, 2007

To the George Bocken family: Please accept my hearfelt sympathy. Having read the wonderful testimonies of Mr. Bocken's life, he lived with the long view in mind-an eternal view. May it be of great comfort to know that he is with his Lord whom he faithfully loved and served. May God's peace be with you at this time.

Les Seydel

February 8, 2007

To the Bocken Family:
My heartfelt sympathy to Ron, Ken, Kathy and Wayne.
Your father was certainly a friend to me as a young man growing up in the Hessville neighborhood where we lived.He was a man of wisdom in addition to the warmth and compassion he exibited to many families in their moment of need.

Ron & Kathi Johnson

February 7, 2007

My sympathies to the entire Bocken family, but especially Ron, Kenny, Wayne & Kathy. I knew you all as we were growing up & I had met your parents too. My wife & I had numerous opportunities to talk to your Dad & we thought him a grand gentleman. We will keep you all in our thoughts & prayers.

John and Janet Clark

February 6, 2007

To The Bocken Family: Mr. Bocken gave us comfort, understanding and patience during our time in need. He was a fine man. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy, prayers and thoughts to the Bocken Family.

Joseph Gartner

February 6, 2007

To The Family of George Bocken:
Though I have not been in Hammond for a number of years, I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Bocken when I was a resident and school administrator. I was always impressed with his business and community zeal, as well as love of family and assistance to many. He will be remembered by me as a gentle man, interested in the welfare of his family as well as having a zest for life. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy, prayers and thoughts to the entire Bocken Family. Sincerely, Joseph F. Gartner

Carole Tucak

February 3, 2007

I didn't meet Mr. Bocken until he and his wife built their house next door to ours on Alabama Ave., and although it has been many years since I last saw him, I will forever remember, and be inspired by his consistently upbeat, uplifting attitude, and his smile.

Florence Gromski

January 19, 2007

Since Georges wife Cecs was a cousin to me I always considered him a cousin to me also. We had many good times together. They would come to visit a lot of times.
Sorry to hear of his passing it is hard to think of him as gone because he always was so happy and outgoing. He will be in my thoughts and my prayers. Hello to all the family.

Tom Porter

January 16, 2007

A Great Gentleman.
I worked with George when he was involved with Indiana Funeral Directors Assocition. We were good friends and he taught me alot about people. He guided our Association for several years, serving as State President and on the Board of Directors. Best of all, we traveled to many National Conventions and enjoyed dining out with he and his wife, Cecelia. We always enjoyed being with them. He had good ideas about funeral service and how we could work with people.
I'm also a Past President of I.F.D.A.
Sincerely, Tom and Glenda Porter
Greensburg, Indiana

Tim & Diane Sumner

January 15, 2007

Ron, Kenny, Wayne and Kathy - Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your Dad was always a friend to us as have all of you been. His influence and the closeness of our relationship with so many of you has been a treasure in our lives. We thank God for your Dad's life, and that of your Mom as well. You don't know how comforting it was to know that your Dad was in charge during the passing and burial of my parents. May Jesus comfort each of you with the peace that passes all understanding. Tim & Diane Sumner

Doug & Pam Maruszczak

January 15, 2007

I first met George Boken at his home several years ago. He was truley
a gentleman. I also had the pleasure of having his son Ron
as a high school teacher in the mid to late sixties. George knew the secret of a happy life. It reflected in his sincere smile and through his family. May he rest in peace.

Melinda Ault

January 15, 2007

I have so many wonderful memories of growing up at the funeral home, & times spent with George. Ashley & I have reminisced many times over the years about our trips out to dinner with George, & all the fun we had...we can still quote all of the funny things he would say !! There is truly no one else like George,...and I will forever hold him close in my heart. Sending you my love, thoughts, & prayers at this time...

Joshua Richards

January 15, 2007

May the LORD richly bless the Bocken family during this difficult time of loss with the knowledge that Mr. Bocken's faith has become reality in the presence of his Savior.

He was a fine man and I extend my heartfelt condolences upon his passing into eternity.

Scott Sandefur

January 15, 2007

Mr. Bocken was a great Christian man. I grew up in Calvary Baptist Church and really enjoyed getting to know the Bockens. He was a strong leader and great role model. His son Wayne was a leader for our youth group and had a big impact on my life.

Nancy Mooth

January 15, 2007

Sympathy and prayers are with Dorothy and the family. George was such a wonderful Christian man who loved the Lord and his family. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word for everyone. I'll miss our little chats in the office at Deerpath.

Roger Hankins

January 15, 2007

I am saddened to hear of George's passing. The entire Bocken family holds a special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories of Ron, Kathy, Kenny (Corky), Wayne, and your dad. God bless you all.

Nancy Anderson

January 15, 2007

George Leroy was a wonderful kind christian man.
I have many fond memories of my childhood spending time around the table with family. He was very caring to my dad, my sister ,and me.

Lee Hankins

January 15, 2007

Growing up as the neighbor "across the alley" and playing sports with his son Ron, Mr Bocken has been a part of my life for many years. From the early years of the enjoyment of playing basketball with my father against Mr. Bocken and Ron to the later years of the comfort he gave my family while burying my Father and Mother at the Bocken funeral home, Mr. Bocken was one whom you could not help but like and respect. I am a better person for having known him. My condolensces to the family.

Sue Alexander

January 15, 2007

George was a true gentleman!

CLYDE & PEGGY RECTOR

January 15, 2007

WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT GEORGE BUT THRILLED TO KNOW HE IS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. WE HAVE KNOWN GOERGE AND HIS FAMILY FOR EONS. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMLY AND WE REJOICE WITH THEM .
CLYDE & PEGGY (BEVAN)RECTOR
ART BEVAN

Silas & Agnes Jones

January 14, 2007

Our sympathy and prayers are with the family.

Nancy Bollinger-Nocera

January 14, 2007

Leroy will be greatly missed by our family.
Leroy was my mom's cousin (Lenora McNees-Bollinger). We all have fond memories when we would get together with Leroy and his brothers and their families. Especially the time a few years ago when we all got together at Cindy's house in Holland Michigan for dinner and Leroy and his brothers were all singing around the piano the old hymns they used to sing in Church. Please know we love you all and are praying you through this difficult time, even though we know Leroy is celebrating even now in Heaven.
God Bless.
Nancy Bollinger-Nocera

Paula Brill

January 14, 2007

Please accept my heartfelt sympathies on the passing of a truly wonderful man, father, and grandfather. Dad Bocken was an inspiration to me and I am so blessed to have had him in my life. I was loved and treated like a daughter by him which meant more to me than words can ever express. He will be missed. I will hold my memories of him very dear to my heart. Josh says good-bye and God speed to his "singing" Grandpa. I have a smile on my face knowing that Dad is in God's presence even as I write this. His rewards will be many.
All my love,
Paula

Lester and Alice Jones

January 14, 2007

I appreciate George's help with introducing me to the Gideon's and his work in the Gideon's. With his support I have been working in the Gideons for about 30 years. I also appreciate his concerns for the families who used his services at the funeral home. He will be missed greatly.

Jim Beiriger

January 14, 2007

Very sorry to hear that Mr. Bocken has passed on. My deep regerts to all the members of his family. Ron and I were classmates and also locker partners. I grew up knowing the whole family. Again, very sorry.

Ronald Meseberg

January 14, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of Mr Bocken's passing. Having grown up and gone to school with Kenny, Kathy and Wayne I had the pleasure to George for many years. Peggy and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all the Bocken family. Our prays and thoughts are with all of you through this time of sorrow.

Ron & Peggy Meseberg

Danny Hull

January 13, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Mr Bocken's passing, he was truely a fine father and community leader. I think I speak for many young men in the Hessville area who give thanks to his tireless efforts to promote youth baseball, sportsmanship, and spiritual pride. Thank you Mr. Bocken you will be missed by the Hessville faithful.

Gayle Blanton

January 13, 2007

George has taken care of our Dedelow family needs for a very long time. When my mom, Helen, was dying she let me know it was George she wanted!

Pat (Forster) Quinn

January 13, 2007

When mom called and told me that George Leroy had passed away, all I could think of was that he was with the Lord and was singing with his mom, Aunt Grace, "I've Got Shoes...when I get to heaven gonna put on them shoes and gonna walk all over God's heaven." I can imagine that he is doing that now, and that the Lord Jesus has issued a "well done" to him. I am so grateful that George Bocken has been part of the godly heritage with which I have been blessed.

Bill and Barbara McTaggart

January 13, 2007

George was the epitome of a true gentleman. Both sets of our parents were buried from the Bocken Funeral Home, and other family members. George was always there to see to all our comforts and needs. The world has lost a very special person.

Shirley Zemaitis

January 13, 2007

Dorothy, Pastor Ray,Sally,Jim,Pearl,Elmon,Joann and the whole family, It has been an honor to know George,and his family if only for a short time. I know that God will sustain you as you celebrate George"s beautiful life. He was a first class man in all respects. Will see you at Sr.s on the other side. Love and Blessings to all of you.

Penny Abrams

January 13, 2007

Mr. Bocken was truly a remarkable human being. He was a God-sent when I lost my Dad in 1972, and my sister in 1974. May his soul now be at peace. (And I'd like to say hi to Ken, a schoolmate at Morton Jr. High School)

Sincerely, Penny (Lutz) Abrams

Floyd White

January 13, 2007

Our sincere condolances to the family and the associates of Mr Bocken.He was a true gentleman, and a true Christian. Our families have used his,and Mr Ault's services many times.We,and our loved ones were always treated with the greatest respect and dignity.May the Lord comfort, as only He can,you at this time.

Floyd and Freida (Robinson) White

Sara Nelson (Bennett)

January 12, 2007

My condolences to the Bocken family. Mister Bocken helped to take care of final arrangements for my Grandmother, Rosalie Kolbusz in August of 2000. He was kind, and compassionate, a truly good man. May he rest well.

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