Darrell Dean Gocke was born Nov. 6, 1925, to Elmer and Mathilda (Wiemer) Gocke on the family farm near Beaver Crossing.
He attended Flowing Hills School for four years and graduated from St. John School. Darrell married his first wife, Beulah Bredehoft, on Jan. 31, 1947, and his second wife, Peggy Bonds, on Aug. 14, 1987. Darrell had many occupations throughout his life, including farmer, well drilling, truck driver and construction. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking and reading. Darrell passed away Dec. 24, 2024, in Fairmont, at the age of 99.
Darrell is survived by his children, Raymond Gocke (Katherine Hankel) of Waco, James (Kathy) Gocke of Bondurant, Iowa, Joann (Clark) Gamble of Urbandale, Iowa and David Gocke of Loveland, Colorado; step-son, Mike Bonds of Osceola; grandchildren, Alan (Altair) Kaminski, Karen Kaminski (Matt Dazley), Jennifer (Mark) Zahradnik, Michael (Kim) Gocke, Victoria Gocke, Michelle Schuelke, Jessica (Ben) Tracy; step-grandchildren, Kendra Schwab, Katlyn Bonds, Kayla Bonds and Dylan Bonds; great-grandchildren, Skyler Kaminski, Samantha and Alexandra Zahradnik, Logan and Connor Gocke, Maddox, and Kinsley and Adalynn Tracy; son-in-law, Frank Kaminski; and sister-in-law, Carol Garvie; and nephews, Verdell (Diane) Erks, Brian (Donna) Erks.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mathilda; wives, Beulah Gocke and Peggy Gocke; children, Carmen Kaminski and infant son, Ronald Gocke; sister, Darlene Erks; son-in-law, Rick Schuelke; brother-in-law, Fred Erks; and niece, DeAnn Erks.
A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, Jan. 31, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica. A memorial service will be Saturday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. at the church with committal at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Waco. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in care of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.