Marilyn Joan Bocke, 87, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Good Samaritan Home in Quincy, following a brief illness.
Marilyn was born in Quincy, Illinois on January 8, 1930, the oldest daughter of Leo H. and Josephine Wisman Liesen. She attended St. Francis Elementary School and Notre Dame High School before working in various secretarial positions until she began her family.
She married Richard H. Bocke on September 15, 1951 and he died on September 10, 2014, just before they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Family was Marilyn’s love and joy. She devoted her life to raising her six children who were born in a span of just 7 years. She had unceasing energy and an incredible work ethic. She gave unselfishly of her time to PTA, cub scouts, 4-H, school projects, and to keeping a well-organized home. As her children started their own homes, Marilyn helped each one with wall-papering, window coverings, upholstery, and woodwork refinishing. She could always be counted on for good advice and remembering names and events. Her Tuesday morning get-togethers over the last 30 years, with homemade coffee cake and iced tea, will certainly be missed.
After raising her own children, Marilyn doted on her 26 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was a talented seamstress and could sew anything. Each grandchild and great-grandchild has special dolls, stuffed animals, and blankets lovingly hand-made by their grandmother.
Marilyn was a wonderful role-model to follow in the way she lived her life, even till her last days when she continued to smile at everyone who came into her room.
Marilyn is survived by her six children—Mary Ellen (Jerry) Loos, Barbara (Mike) Klingner, Susie (Rich) Niemann, Janet (Marty) Peters, Henry (Julie) Bocke, and John (Ginger) Bocke. She felt so blessed to have all her children reside in Quincy.
She also leaves behind 25 grandchildren—Erin Patton of San Francisco, Tom (Miki) Loos of Shickley, NE, Matt (Jessica) Loos, Quincy; Hannah (Greg) Cassens, Ben (Megan) Klingner, Will (Lizzy) Klingner, all of Quincy, and Katie (Ryan) Andrews of Columbia, MO; Audrey (Andy) Hermsmeier, Richie (Heather) Niemann, Brad (Jenna) Niemann, Andie (Brian) Doellman, and Doug (fiancée, Erin Herring) Niemann, all of Quincy; Emily (Bobby) Tait, Dominic (Megan) Peters, both of Quincy, Chris (Emily) Peters of Lake St. Louis, and Lance Peters, Quincy; Petty Officer Lee Bocke of Messena, NY, Colleen (Paul) Wagner of St. Louis, Catherine (Will) Meckes, and Ellie Bocke, both of Quincy; Johnny, Kyle (Jera Iams) Nick, Rachel (fiancé, Nate Wallen), and Josh Bocke, all of Quincy. She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are three sisters—Norma (Ralph) Thiemann of Jacksonville, FL, Ellie (Bill) Crain of Pueblo, Colorado, and Pauline (Ron) Upper of Quincy, and many nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her grandson, Mark Bocke, her brother, Robert (Clara) Liesen, sisters-in-law—Virginia (Robert) Stark, Geraldine Bocke, and Jeanette (George) VonderHaar.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 9:30 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Dukanh Pham, O.F.M. conducting. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Mark Bocke Scholarship Fund at QND or to the donor’s choice.