Edward Irving Hocking Sr.

RAMSAY, Mich. – Edward Irving Hocking Sr., 76, a longtime resident of Ramsay, passed away suddenly Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. 

Ed was born on March 9, 1938, in Wakefield, a son of William and Lena (Wanink) Hocking. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated on June 5, 1956. Ed was a member of the football and track teams. He was also the manager of the basketball team.

Ed proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years and was honorably discharged in 1960.

On March 3, 1962, Ed was united in marriage to Karen L. Williams at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer. They made their home in Ramsay and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012.

He was employed by White Pine Copper Company for more than 39 years and retired in 2000.

Ed enjoyed hunting, all sports, especially football and the Chicago Bears, gardening and doing word puzzles.

Ed is survived by his wife, Karen; three sons, Ed Junior (Nicole), Chucky (Linda) and Allan (Ann Fanelle), all of Bessemer; three daughters, Lena (Chris) Gierl and Lori Hocking, both of Ramsay, and Lois Baross (Dennis Markgraf), Manitowish Waters, Wis .; eight grandchildren, Misty, Brandon, Louis, Ashton, Ben, Reba, Emily and Ron; three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kaelan and Jayce; two brothers, Don, Wakefield, and Roy (Barb), Wauwatosa, Wis .; four sisters, Doris Lindberg, Belvidere, Ill., Mary Spearo, Milwaukee, and Barb Sordahl and Sue Hocking, both of Wakefield; his brother-in-law, Jim (Elaine) Williams; numerous other relatives; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Richard, Norman, John "Jack," Howard and James; and a sister, Eloise Hocking.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, from 10 to 11 a.m., with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Fr. Antony Lukka as celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held in the church hall following the military salute.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.