OSAGE CITY — Raymond E. Bockus, Osage City, died Friday, April 22, 2022, at Osage Nursing Center, Osage City. He was 81.
He was born Aug. 7, 1940, in Pawnee City, Neb., to Ernest W. and Violet R. Bockus. He came to Kansas in search of employment at the Tuttle Creek Reservoir construction site, eventually arriving in Osage City, where he met his future bride, Earlene Griffin. The two were married Sept. 29, 1957. To this union, three children were born, Raylene, Brian and Bradley.
Ray was a carpenter, having built and repaired many homes in and around Osage City. Later, Ray and Earlene started Bockus Real Estate. He loved his family, his work, his pets, playing guitar, drinking coffee, mowing his yard, and an occasional neighborhood prank on Halloween.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother in-law, Earl and Lorene Griffin; his sisters, Belva Mendenhall, Melva Waldron, Zelma Schnepp, Ethel Sugden and Connie Summers; and his brother-in-law, Jim Griffin.
Ray is survived by his wife, Earlene; his children, Raylene Loschke (Frank), Brian Bockus (Denise), and Bradley Bockus (Colleen); his brothers, Richard Bockus (Peggy) and Harvey Kimes (Linda); his sisters-in-law, Jane Guion (John) and Judy Griffin; his brother-in-law, Loren Griffin (Vinnie); eight grandchildren, Jay Loschke (Kayla), Kyle Loschke (Ashlynn), Laura Loschke, Megan Kellner (Jason), Kaci Shore (Shane), Ellie Bockus, Danielle Hoggatt (Colten), and Brandon Bockus; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Interim Home Care and Hospice or the Helping Hands Humane Shelter, and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523.
Condolences may be left at VanArsdaleFS.com.
