Obituary of William Kocks Jr.

Kocks, William Jr. “Bill”

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend was called to his heavenly home on the morning of his 100^th birthday, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Wellspring Assisted Living in Saginaw. William Kocks Jr. was born on June 6, 1924 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late William H. and Catherine (Neuhaus) Kocks. He married Helen Baumer on September 23, 1943 in Saginaw, Michigan. She preceded him in death on November 10, 1964. Bill attended St. Mary’s High School, graduating in 1942. He proudly served his country as a Medic in the United States Army during WWII. Bill was captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge and became a Prisoner of War, forced to serve as a Medic for the German Soldiers while in captivity. Throughout the war he demonstrated unwavering courage and resilience. He received the Purple Heart, a good conduct medal, and an EAME Ribbon. Bill was employed by General Motors as a Workers Compensation Benefits Manager, retiring after 37 years of service. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and later Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Bill was the first President of ARC, Past President of the Washington Society, Past President of the Saginaw County Officials Association, Past President and member of the Maple Hills Golf Club. He served as a Basketball Coach at the Millet Center and as a High School Basketball and Football Referee for many years.

He loved golfing, bowling, playing cards, and watching sports. Bill enjoyed line dancing and was a member of the Boot Scootin and Boogie Club. He really loved spending time with his family.

Surviving are his children, Carol Kocks, Mary (Gary) Church, Christine (Gary) Bailey, and Joseph Kocks; grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Kocks, Aaron (Quinn) Kocks, Christopher Koenig, Melissa (Nate Maddox) Bailey, and Emiley (Samuel) Morgan; great-grandchildren, Myleigh and Maddox Kocks; daughter in-law, Lynn Kocks; one sister, Kathleen Sisk and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by two sons, Tom Kocks and David Kocks; siblings, Margaret, Mildred, Geraldine, Robert, Donald, and Jack.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State). Rev. Fr. Amal Madanu will officiate. A committal service will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post # 439.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Special Olympics Michigan Area 22 or to American Legion Post 439.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kocks family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.