John A. Hocevar

On September 5, 2015, John Anthony Hocevar left this world to be embraced in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Visitation will be held on Friday September 18, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at O’Connor Funeral Home. A vigil service will follow beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 201 44th Street South. Funeral liturgy will take place on Saturday September 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Pallbearers will be the attending grandchildren. John, born on January 19, 1915 in Great Falls Montana, the 7th of 8 children to Frank and Mary Hocevar. John and Sis were married October 12, 1939 in Fort Benton, resided in Great Falls and in 1943 moved to the ranch on the Smith River, where they raised their six children. In 1982 they sold the ranch on the Smith River and purchased another in Denton, MT. John and Sis continued farming until “Sis” death in May of 1990. John then semi-retired and turned the ranch operation over to his children. On July 17, 1991 he was remarried to Suzanne Deklyen of Denton and they lived for a short time in Denton before moving to Great Falls. John Hocevar loved to visit with people and made many friends throughout his lifetime. For those who knew John, I am sure that they will always remember his smile, twinkle in his distinctive blue eyes and friendly personality. John loved to be surrounded by his family especially during the holiday seasons. Other loves were horses, music, and cards. In 2015, John became a centenarian and was honored with 100 year birthday party at the Eagles Lodge. A very special guest from Ljubljana, Slovenia came to the party, John’s 1st cousin Terezija Horvat. Governor Steve Bullock honored all Montanan centenarians in Helena, MT. on May 12, 2015. John was very excited about attending this event, not only to meet the governor but all the other individual centenarians. John’s advice to longevity; drink lots of milk, eat good food, walk as fast as you can, smile, have a sense of humor, enjoy other people, sing whenever you can, and use all the gifts God has given you to the fullest. Survivors include Jerry and Pauline (Ted) both of Great Falls; Maryann and Paul both of Denver, CO; Rocky (Carol) of Lolo, MT; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great- grandchildren; three great- great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding John in death are his parents, Frank and Mary; brother and sisters Mary Pachek, Annie Porro, Frances Rebich, Frank Hocevar, Rosa Sick, and Pauline Hocevar; son John William “Jackie” Hocevar; great-grandsons Zachary Taylor Hocevar and Mathew Michael Hocevar; wife Evelyn Margaret “Sis”(O’Connell) Hocevar; and 2nd wife Suzanne Cherreton Deklyen. Memorials in John’s name may be directed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County, 15 South 8th Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715.