MSG (RET) Roy G. von Bokern, 91, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on January 27, 2021. He was born in Freeport, Minnesota on March 18, 1929, son of the late Jenny E. Hoeschen von Bokern and Ben von Bokern.
Roy faithfully served his country in the United States Army for 20 years. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his service he was awarded numerous honors to include: 2 Bronze Stars, 6 Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Cross of Gallentry w/Palm, Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 2d Class, an Air Medal and a National Defense Service Ribbon to name a few. After his retirement from the Army, Roy went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Roy worked with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department at the Medical Center before retiring. After his second retirement Roy went back to work at Fort Benning in Civil Service. He was very proud of his service to his country.
Roy was married to Marianne Schmitt in May of 1956, in Casablanca, Africa. Roy and Marianne were married for 58 years until Marianne’s passing in 2014. Roy and Marianne enjoyed traveling, playing Bridge and spending time with family. He and Marianne were members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Roy was active in his church serving on the Parish Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Roy was an avid reader, and he enjoyed flying. Roy was also a member of the Flying Association; he had built an experimental aircraft.
Survivors include his children: Marie Brigette Perry, Karl (Trudi) von Bokern, and Stefan (Patti) von Bokern; his grandchildren: Sandy (Edgar) Martinez and Stephanie (Ben) Hedges; step granddaughter, Shannon (Jeremy) Hinds; his great grandchildren: Eli, Aden, and Micah Martinez and Audbrey, Lucas and Heidi Hedges; his sister: Clare (Robert) Kreuser; his brothers: Stan von Bokern and Mark (Rose) von Bokern; and his sister-in-law, Annie von Bokern.
