Jim Gockel

Jim Gockel, age 83, of St. Peter, died on Friday, July 19, 2013 in St. Peter.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Church of St. Peter Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. St. Peter Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Jim was born March 21, 1930 to Ralph and Mary (Smith) Gockel in Salem, SD. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Salem where he was a two-time All-State basketball selection. Jim served in the Navy and was stationed at Naval Base Coronado and served aboard the USS Bearss. In 1955, Jim enrolled in college and three and a half years later, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. On August 13, 1960, Jim was united in marriage to Joan Tuynman at St. Thomas Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children. Jim taught in the St. Peter school system for 35 years and was a computer technician for St. Peter schools for another 10 years after he retired from teaching. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, assembling hobby airplanes, visiting with his wife and children and spending time with his grandchildren. Jim also enjoyed coffee each weekday with friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joan: children: Richard Gockel and Nancy (Scott) King; two grandchildren: McKenna and Lucas King; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister: Jane Leveque and brother Mark.