Russell Jocha

Russell J. Jocha, 79, of Mansfield, died Sunday, May 21, 2006, at Winchester Terrace Nursing Home after a brief illness. Born in Mansfield, May 11, 1927, he was the son of the late Stephan and Susan Kozik Jocha. He was married to Blanche L. Jocha for 49 years and 11 months and she preceded him in death on March 7, 2002. Russell served in the U.S. Army during WWII and the Korean War with the 349th Infantry Regiment. He was a member of the American Legion, McVey Post and the Slovak Society. Russell was an avid golfer, who in his younger days played softball and bowled. He retired from Ideal Electric on June 1, 1990 after 36 years of service. Russell was a devoted family man who enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing the important events in their lives.

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Vanessa L. and James Hindman, Cara J. and Bradley Schmitt, all of Mansfield; four grandchildren, Melissa R. and her husband, LeRoy Smith III of Mansfield, Lance D. Hindman and his wife, Michelle of Reynoldsburg, Spencer J. and Logan B. Schmitt of Mansfield; two great-grandchildren, Alexander L. and Alexis J. Smith of Mansfield; a sister, Evelyn Boyle of Clearwater, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Florence Jocha of Mansfield; four sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary and Joseph Kottyan of Galion, Patricia and Michael Quenneville of Michigan, Robert and Jean Armstrong of California, and William and Jerri Armstrong of Washington; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sister-in-law, Stephan, Frank, John and Ann Jocha; brother-in-law, M.D. 'Slim' Boyle; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Fran and William Cligg, Betty and Jim Neff of Bucyrus, Rose and Gus Fischer, Tom Armstrong of California and John Armstrong of Texas.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 24, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. The funeral service will be held Thursday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Lintern officiating. Military graveside services conducted by Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friendly House.