Gary L. Gocken

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gary L. Gocken, age 80, on December 24, 2024, at Heritage Village in Kankakee, Illinois. Gary was born on August 18, 1944, in Watseka, Illinois, the first-born son of Lavern Alvin Gocken and Betty Jean Heideman Gocken. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Turkey from July 1965 to July 1967. Gary Gocken was a skilled accountant who developed his career with local employers, starting at Amburg File in Kankakee and later applying his expertise at VacPac, Inc. He also enjoyed volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, where he warmly escorted patients and their families. He loved playing cards, especially Euchre, and cherished the moments spent around the card table with family and friends. Gary lived in various places throughout his life, moving from Kankakee in 1982 to New Jersey, Maryland, and Arizona and later returning to Kankakee, Illinois, in 2018. In 2023, he moved to Heritage Woods in Manteno and spent his final days at Heritage Village in Kankakee. Gary was a proud father to Tamara (Jeff Thacher) Gocken, Becky (Brian) Creek, and Roy Gocken. He was also Morgan (Bailey) Lovelady's grandfather and Beckham's great-grandfather; siblings, Dave (Carol) Gocken, Denny (Doris) Gocken, and Gloria (Roger) Veld. A ceremony and burial occurred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Gary will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his witty humor and love for those around him. Donations in Gary Gocken's memory can be made to Uplifted Care, honoring the support he and his family received during his final days