John William Bockwitz

1914-2011

John William Bockwitz, 96, of San Jose died at 12:20am Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Hopedale Medical Complex.  He was born on November 23, 1914 the son of John P. and Hannah (Neef) Bockwitz in rural San Jose, IL.  He married Evelyn M. Johnson on February 23, 1935 in San Jose, IL.  She preceded him in death in 2004.

Survivors include one daughter: Dorothy June Boyer of Morton, IL; one son: William Ray (Karen) Bockwitz of Spring Arbor, MI.  Also surviving are six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, two sisters, a granddaughter and a son in law (Ike Boyer).

“Big John” farmed in the San Jose area all his life until his retirement.  He was an avid tractor puller, winning many state and national titles.  He was a member of the San Jose United Methodist Church, National Tractor Pulling Association, Illinois Tractor Pulling Association and the Farm Bureau.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in San Jose, visitation will be one hour prior to service.  Pastor Stephen King will officiate; burial will be at Green Hill Cemetery.  Hurley Funeral Home in San Jose is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials can be left to United Methodist Church.

Online memorials for the family can be left at www.hurleyfh.com