George W. Kocer

KOCER GEORGE

George W. Kocer, age 98 of Tabor, SD passed away Friday, June 30, 2017 at Autumn Winds Assisted Living of Yankton, SD.   On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.   Pallbearers will be Larry Kocer, Robert Kocer, Ken Kocer, Ben Swertzic, Dennis Povondra, and Cliff Bienert. Honorary pallbearers will be his daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

George was born on May 30, 1919 to Joseph and Catherine (Plavec) Kocer on a farm north of Tabor, SD.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor.  On January 12, 1942, George was united in marriage to Agnes Carda.  Their son, Dan, was born in November 1942.  George and Agnes farmed in the Scotland and Tyndall areas for many years.  In 1984, because of health reasons, they retired from farming and moved into Tabor.  George and Agnes lived in Tabor until October, 2014, when they moved to Autumn Winds Assisted Living Facility in Yankton, SD.  They recently celebrated their 75th anniversary on January 12, 2017.

George was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church his entire life.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), Catholic Workman (FSCLA), Czech Heritage Preservation Society, Tabor Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau and Farmers Union.

George enjoyed helping other farmers with farm work, especially, baling and building fences.  In his younger years, he and Agnes enjoyed singing with the Tabor Troubadours and George also enjoyed playing ball with the Tabor Jets.  In addition, there were many summer nights when, under the street lights, the clanking of horse shoes could be heard throughout their Tabor neighborhood.  Watching and listening to the Minnesota Twins was also one of his favorite activities.  George’s greatest enjoyment, however, was to have family and friends around; to laugh, tell stories, and play cards.  He especially loved Pinochle and Euchre.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Agnes of Yankton, SD; son, Dan (Pam) of Pequot Lakes, MN; grandchildren: Lori (Matthias) Frasch, Jason (Jean) Kocer and John (Corinne) Kocer; great-grandchildren:  Maxwell, Ellison and Stella Frasch, Noah and Emmarie Kocer and Henry Kocer; 2 sisters-in-law, Irene Kocer and Anne Ulmer and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

George was preceded in death by his parents, sisters:  Anna, Stella, Mary, Helen, Hattie and Adeline; brothers:  Mike, Joe, and Ray and several nieces and nephews.