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BORN
1944
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Bocker Obituary
Died: October 25, 2020; Mt. Morris
POLO – Gary O. Bocker, 76, of Polo went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Pinecrest Manor in Mt. Morris.
Gary was born in Freeport, the son of Klaas and Mable Bocker. He grew up farming with his father and established Bocker Grain Inc. in 1971. Gary's love of farming passed on to his own family, which brought him much joy to see them daily. In 1994, Gary married Judy, and they were blessed with 21 years of marriage. Together, they built Barnacopia, a museum and event venue filled with tractors, vintage cars and much more. Gary was very active in Lions Club, where he served as District Governor and held numerous local officer positions over the years. He was a member of Crossroads Community Church in Polo. Gary was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed.
Gary is survived by his sons, Mark (Teresa) Bocker and Dan (Sandy) Bocker of Polo; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Marlene Witmer of Oregon, Audrey (Rick) Stukenberg of Forreston, and Ardis (Rex) Printz of Baileyville; friend, Sherry Callaway of Lanark; and many other relatives and friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his wife ,Judy; parents, Klaas and Mable; brother-in-law Brad Witmer; and great-granddaughter Abilene Bocker (infant).
Gary will be laid to rest at a private graveside service at West Branch Cemetery in Polo. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name. Polo Family Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
To send condolences please visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Bocker
Sponsored by Polo Family Funeral Home.
DIANE COUTTS
October 30, 2020
Although we hadn’t seen Gary in the office the last few years, I always like working with him . He left behind a great family who will miss him dearly. ((Hugs)) to all of you. Diane Coutts
Troy & Donna Lessman
October 29, 2020
My wife and I met Gary & Judy through the Barnacopia. We catered many events there and they were awesome to work with. Gary has touched so many lives in such a good way. What a great guy. He really liked his sweets so we would always slip a dessert into the fridge for Gary. He especially liked Donna's vanilla bean cheesecake. He will definitely be missed by many. Condolences & prayers for the family. God Bless!
Jamie Kotewa
October 28, 2020
Gary and Judy hosted me as a visiting artist many years ago. I have so many fond memories of my week with them, drawing the view from the top of the grain bin, and riding in the yellow Hummer. My deepest sympathy to the family. May your memories bring you some comfort. I am sure he will be missed.
Sharon (Bocker) Artman
October 28, 2020
My Deepest Sympathy to Mark and Dan and your families.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Darla (Bocker) Armstrong
October 28, 2020
I am one of the younger cousins, so unlike Carol I never got to cause trouble with Gary, but I heard stories! He will be missed! I am so glad I got to see him at Barnacopia in December. My sympathy to Mark, Dan, and the rest of the family. (Carol - I used to love visiting your parents. My siblings and I think about you and would love to reconnect.)
Darla (Bocker) Armstrong
October 28, 2020
I was was one of the younger cousins so unlike Carol, I did not have a chance to get in trouble with Gary. But I heard stories! He will be missed. I am so glad I got to see him at Barnacopia in December. My sympathy to Mark, Dan, and the rest of the family. (Carol, I used to love visiting your parents. My siblings and I think about you and would love to reconnect.)
Darla (Bocker) Armstrong
October 28, 2020
I am one of the younger cousins so unlike Carol I did not have a chance to get in trouble with Gary but I heard stories! I am so glad I got a chance to see him in December at Barnacopia. He will be missed. My sympathy to Mark, Dan and the entire family. (Carol, I used to love going to visit your parents. My siblings and I think about you and would love to reconnect.)
Carol Geiseman Roberts
October 27, 2020
I remember getting into trouble with Gary in our youth. So sorry to hear of his passing. It's been a very long time since I saw him, but I have fond memories.
Jim Dewall
October 27, 2020
Gary and I were friends from childhood all the way to adults. We shared lots of good times. I will miss him horribly. Jim D
Gary & Connie
October 27, 2020
We will praying for the entire family,,, Enjoyed many years of friendship with Gary ....
Gary & Connie
Rick
October 27, 2020
Gary and Judy were giving people. How great will their reward be in heaven. Sweet sweet people. We were lucky to have known them. Deepest sympathy to their family. Rick and Dorene Werntz - Boise idaho
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