Roger Harold Bockler

WASHINGTON- Roger Harold Bockler, 69, of Washington passed away at 12:51AM on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at his residence. Roger was born January 16, 1945 in San Francisco, CA to Harold E. and Ann Bockler. He married Jan Rudolphi on August 27, 1966 in Washington. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Brian (Tina) Bockler of Ladera Ranch, CA and Angela (Joe) Olson of Elkhart,IL; seven grandchildren, Ethan, Stefan, Brayden, and Bryce Bockler, all of Ladera Ranch, CA and Maggie, Eli, and Chloe Olson, all of Elkhart, IL; one sister, Rojene Page of Ft. Myers, FL; sister-in-laws, Beverly Smith (Mindy) of Elkhart and Diane (Rob) Malgieri of Westlake Village, CA; seven nieces and nephews, Jamaisa Page, Dan (Lianne) Smith, David (Linda) Smith, Robert (Alissa) Smith, Amy Smith, Jamie (Trent) Park and Courtney Malgieri. Roger was preceded in death by his parents. Roger enjoyed western movies, country music, riding his Harley, fishing trips to Canada and restoring his 1937 Chevy Pickup with his son Brian and “other son” Clint Kuhlman. First and foremost was Rog’s love for family. His 7 grandchildren captured his heart. He and Jan made many trips to Mt. Pulaski games and developed a special bond with the teams. His other 4 grandsons lived in California and he so wished that he could have visited more often and attended all of their soccer games. He truly treasured their trips to Washington and the time they got to spend together. Rog loved traveling to Florida where he enjoyed the the visits with his sister and niece. He looked forward to the get-togethers at the picnic table with neighbors and the fun-filled trips with friends to Galena. Roger was a 1963 graduate of Washington Community High School. His country soon called him to server during the Vietnam War. Jan and his new baby Angela joined him in Vicenza, Italy. While there, their son Brian was born. Returning home to Washington, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Western Illinois University. He joined his Dad in Bockler Excavating where he worked within the community for over 20 years. He then accepted a job with the Tazewell County Health Department, retiring in 2007. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, Knights of Columbus Fr. John Menco Council #6707, and the Washington Jaycees. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, March 21, 2014 from 5-7 P.M. at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. A memorial Mass for Roger will be held Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11 A.M. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow the service at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington. A private inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Cancer Care or OSF Hospice. Roger's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.

Roger Harold Bockler

January 16, 1945 - March 15, 2014