Jerry Bockholt

On Sunday, March 18th, Jerome Michael Bockholt, “Jerry”, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many went to be with our Lord and Savior after a long and courageous battle in which he faced metastatic prostate cancer head on with optimism, dignity, and a never-ending sense of humor. A true South Texan, Jerry was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. The son of Agnes and Joseph Bockholt, Sr. Jerry was the fourth of 10 children. Jerry was raised and educated in a family with strong Catholic values. This laid the foundation for the development of his caring, compassionate moral character. Growing up in a farming family, Jerry learned the importance of a strong and dedicated work ethic, which led to his success as a business owner later in life. Jerry was involved in the community, participating in a variety of events and activities such as those at NAS Kingsville, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church, Javelina Booster Club, Automotive Oil Change Association, and more. He is best known, along with his wife Lisa, for coordinating and conducting the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Campaign, a program which the couple oversaw for the past 24 consecutive years. For his dedication and commitment to the community he received numerous accolades and awards including the most recent honor bestowed by the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce as Kingsville’s Citizen of the Year. Jerry was best known for his endearing smile, his unending wit and humor, his ability to make people laugh, his optimistic attitude, his automotive and mechanical knowledge, his willingness to help others, and his often-the-topic-of conversation head of hair. Jerry was seldom without Lisa, his wife and partner of 24 years. The couple managed to operate a “mom and pop” type business together and stay married, nothing short of a major accomplishment. When first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005, it was Jerry’s positive attitude that took center stage and carried him throughout the duration of illness including doctor visits, lab work, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. With a strong faith to guide him, combined with the love and support of family and friends, Jerry enjoyed life to the fullest. A community icon, Jerry will be remembered for his dedication, support and commitment to helping make Kingsville a better place to live and work. He is survived by his wife, partner, and best friend Lisa, his daughters Deborah Howerton and Michelle Brewer, and one son, Thomas. Grandchildren Bailey and Braden Howerton, and Luke and Thomas Bockholt. Brothers Andrew, Joseph Jr., Kenneth, Melvin, Herbert and Werner Bockholt. Sisters Alice McCumber, Jeannine Goetz, and Marian Flanders. Also two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews countless numbers of friends, and his beloved pets. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church. Burial of cremains will be held at a later date. Condolences may be offered at turcottepipermortuary.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas 78363.