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Daniel Kocka Obituary
December 18, 1925
February 10, 2013
Grandpa Dan passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital with family by his side. Dan lived an eventful 87 years.
Daniel was born in Tonopah, Nevada on Dec. 18, 1925, to Serbian parents Emil Kocka and Gorde Lessar Kocka. His father was an underground miner who died of miner's consumption while Daniel was a young child. Gorde moved her family to Reno in 1930, where they have lived ever since.
Dan worked from the age of 6 when he started selling newspapers on the corner of Virginia Street and Commercial Row. He attended school at the old Southside Elementary and Reno High School when it was located between 5th and 4th streets.
Dan met the love of his life, Leona Thornton, while delivering beer for Reno Brewing Company to Hale's Drug store on the corner of Vine and 4th. Their first date was the policeman's St. Patrick Day dance. They married one year and one day later on March 18, 1950, and daughter Judy was born in 1957. Dan and Lee enjoyed over 44 years together until Lee's passing in 1994.
Dan joined the Nevada Air National Guard and served active tours of duty in Japan and England and several stateside locations. His duty was aircraft maintenance - he retired in 1985 as Chief Master Sergeant after 34 years of service to his state and country. Dan spent his retirement years traveling with his family and enjoying his grandsons. One of his favorite activities was organizing the Sutherland family football pool. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his old "Guard" buddies and celebrating traditional Serbian holidays; he even created his very own Lamb Roast celebration.
Dan is survived by his sister Vera Kocka Williams, daughter Judy (Steve) Sutherland, grandsons Jason, John (Kerry) and Mato Sutherland and three great grandchildren, Ian, Cole, and Audrey Sutherland.
Grandpa Dan always said he was "born too soon" because he enjoyed many of our modern day conveniences and technology. He also was quick to correct any person or book regarding Reno history after the 1930's; he knew it because he lived it.
Grandpa Dan's final words: "I had the best life and best family in the world."
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Northern Nevada Food Bank. Join family and friends for a celebration of Dan's life at Luciano's Italian Restaurant, 6135 Lakeside Dr., Reno, at 1:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 17.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Kocka
Doug and Judee Nummer
February 18, 2013
I worked for Dan from 1960 until he retired in 1985. He was a good boss, strict when he needed to be, but you always knew what he expected.
Away from the job, Dan was a fun guy to be around. Especially on Thursday night bowling with the Air National Guard League. Dan and I bowled with Bill Martelle, Ernie Bazzini and Paul Carlson on Harolds Club's sponsored team. We had a lot of good times when travelling to Air Guard tournaments around the country. Harolds Club always made sure that we had plenty of their booze, so we could always have a Hospitality Center for all the other Air Guard Units to enjoy with us Reno guys.
I'll miss Dan at the monthly Air Guard Retirement Breakfast's.
My wife, Judee, and I will miss his big warm smile, kind nature and gentle spirit.
February 17, 2013
Melvin Crafton
Dawn Edwards Uccelli
February 16, 2013
Judy:
Your dad was a such a nice man. I'm sorry to hear he passed away.
Nick & Carla Vestbie
February 14, 2013
I worked under Dan at the Air Guard as a crew chief of an F101 on the flight line from 1965 to 1970. Knowing Dan was truly an honor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May he in peace.
Kellie Hagan
February 13, 2013
I became part of the Sutherland Clan when my daughter married John (Dan's grandson). Dan made me feel as though I was another daughter from the start. I will miss his huge presence and warm hugs. Rest in peace Dan.
Larry Cerfoglio
February 13, 2013
I enjoyed working with Dan for many years. He was a rock at the Guard and everyone respected him. After he retired I ran into him often at the Coney on Tuesday . He was a great man and a good friend to all of us. God Bless Dan and his family.
Kathleen
February 13, 2013
He had the biggest smile and was very pleasant,my deepest sympathy!
Tony and Jackie Zmak
February 13, 2013
Judy, Our thoughts are with you and your family. Whether it was work, poker, golf or just a beer, Dan was always enjoyable to be around and talk to. He will be missed by many.
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