Service Information
John Kokesch, age 91, of Franklin passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the Fairfax Community Home in Fairfax.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 11, 2019, 11:00 A.M. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax with interment in St. George Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.
Military Honors by the Fairfax Honor Guard.
Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association.
Obituary
John Bernard Kokesch was born on August 23, 1927, by St. George, Nicollet County, Minnesota. He was the son of Adolph and Myra (Grosam) Kokesch. John was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. George Catholic Church. He received his education at country school and Trinity High School in New Ulm, Minnesota.
On May 16, 1946, John enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in the 82nd Airborne. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Parachutists Badge and the 30 Cal. M-1 Rifle Badge. John was Honorably Discharged on November 3, 1947.
On November 23, 1948, John was united in marriage to Delores Bieraugel at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in New Ulm. After their marriage, the couple farmed near New Ulm, Fairfax, and Franklin. John and Delores were blessed with eight children. They shared 70 years of marriage.
John was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Franklin, Minnesota. He was also a member of the Fairfax American Legion Post #205.
John enjoyed hunting and trapping, raising cucumbers, reading westerns, playing cards, playing softball and traveling. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild.
When he needed assistance with his daily care, John became a resident of the Fairfax Community Home and passed away there on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the age of 91 years. Blessed be his memory.
John is survived by his:
Wife, Delores Kokesch of Franklin, MN;
Children, Allen Kokesch and his wife, Jackie of Morton, MN,
Cindy Kokesch of Franklin, MN,
Claudia Kokesch of Franklin, MN,
Rebecca Henderson and her husband, Steve of Fairfax, MN, and
Kevin Kokesch and his wife, Deb of Franklin, MN;
20 Grandchildren and their spouses;
39 Great Grandchildren;
1 Great Great Grandchild;
Sons-In-Law, Loren Evenson of Gibbon, MN, Stanley Kotek of Kilkenny, MN;
Siblings, Dave (Delores) Kokesch of Gibbon, MN, and Barbara Windschitl of Sleepy Eye, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his Parents, Adolph and Myra Kokesch; Daughter, Mary in infancy; Daughters, Peggy Evenson and Christine Kotek; Brothers, Willard, Vernus and George Kokesch; Sister, Mary Lou Huiras.
Brenda Clobes says
Delores & family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the death of Johnny. I will always remember his laugh and big smile & his “just kidding” remark. Oh the memories you all must have – hold on to your memories to get you through this difficult time. Sincerely Brenda Clobes (Maurer).
Vicky Foster says
My sympathy to the Kokesch and Evenson families. John will surely be missed within your hearts. There is comfort knowing that those who preceded him in his earthy death, welcomed him with love and joy to his Heavenly home. I met John and Delores when my daughter, Angela married Joey Evenson. I so enjoyed John’s sense of joy, humor, his laughter and his special love of family and friends. Rest In Peace child of God.
Gina Duck says
Sorry to hear of the loss of one of my coffee buddies from my Palmyra days. He taught me how to open a banana from the bottom end. Bless you Johnnie and my condolences to Delores and all the family.
Dianne Johnson says
I am so sorry to hear of John’s death. Delores your cousin LaRay (Pickle) was there to meet him.
My sympathy to all of the family.
Dianne Johnson
Edith A Bray says
Sorry for your loss. May the memories you have and the love of your family help you through this difficult time.
Lori (Hacker) Pearson says
Saddened to hear of my Godfather/Uncle Johnny’s passing. Deepest condolences to Delores and the entire Kokesch family. May many happy years of memories bring you comfort and a smile when you need it the most.
Lori A Steinhaus says
Delores and family,
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I was blessed to have Johnny as my Godfather. Many fond memories growing up over the years. He sure did make people laugh. Heaven gained another great jokester. RIP Johnny, you will be missed by many.
Sister Mary Fran Allen says
Dear Delores and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. John lived a full life. He always loved a little conversation and to share a joke or story. My greatest memory of you, Delores, and John was how good you always were to mom and dad (Frank and Mary Allen). You were so faithful in your care in these final years! God bring is healing touch to you! Love and prayers, Sister Mary Fran Allen CSJ