contributor: Richard LaBrosse

Christian W. Kocken, 67, Rt. 2, Oconto Falls, died Sunday evening at a Green Bay Hospital following a long illness. He was born May 5, 1914 in De Pere to the late Theodore and Anna Corneilsen Kocken. He married Virginia Blodgett November 23, 1944 in Allouez. In 1957, Mr. Kocken moved to the Oconto Falls area where he farmed and worked in construction until his retirement. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Gillett. Survivors are his wife, Virginia; three sons, Richard, Evansville, Ind.; Kenneth, Oconto Falls; Michael, Green Bay; six daughters, Mrs. Orville (Susan) Bonk, Abrams;; Mrs. Thomas (Sharon) Kolakowski, Morgan; Mrs. Dennis (Debra) Rauterkus, Zachow; Theresa Kocken, Suring; Shirley and Tina, at home; 13 grandchildren, one brother, Edward De Pere; three sisters, Mrs. Ed (Marie) Hutjens, De Pere; Mrs. Josephine Barrett, De Pere; Mrs. Albert (Rita) Wertel, Abrams. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bernice Hecker, in 1943; two brothers and one sister. Friends may call at the Soulek Funeral Home, Oconto Falls, after 4 p.m. today. Prayer service 8 this evening. Funeral 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, St. John Catholic Church, Gillett, the Rev. Justin N. Werner officiating. Burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery, De Pere.