William (Bill) V. Hocker

William “Bill” V. Hocker transitioned peacefully early Friday morning at his home in Albuquerque, NM Bill was born on July19th, 1933 in Burgin, Kentucky to Marie Schmaltz and V.W. Hocker. The family soon returned to New Mexico and Bill graduated from Grants High School in 1952. After serving overseas in the US Army, Bill married Kathleen Milan on the 27th of December 1956. He completed his Bachelor of Science and moved to attend the California College of Mortuary Science where he graduated at the top of his class. He returned to Grants and joined his Father, Tony Frkovich at the Grants Mortuary that his parents founded in 1947. Bill was raised in a devoutly Catholic home and his faith was a substantial influence in his life and work. Bill was a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis, active in the early Catholic Cursillo Movement in the US, taught catechism at St Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, and was a founding member of the Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group at St Teresa’s, for almost 50 years. Bill was asked to lead the Disciples of Mission for the Parish. Bill’s commitment to helping grieving families was an extension of his faith, which he looked at as a vocational calling. Bill’s Labor of love was the Grants Mortuary, which he owned and operated with his wife Kathy and their sons Bill Jr., Robert, Stephen, John and good friend, James “Jimmy” Martinez. In 1975, Bill’s brother Bob Hocker, and his wife, Shelia joined the funeral home and Bill was able to devote some of his efforts to state and national funeral organizations in order to educate both professionals and the general public about grief and end of life issues. Eventually, Bill was selected by his peers to serve in the New Mexico Funeral Service Association and later served as its President. Years later Bill was elected to the National Funeral Directors Association or (NFDA) board of Governors and served as NFDA’s President from 1988-1989. During that time, he was a sought-after speaker and was a guest on various television talk shows such as Donahue, Sally Jesse Raphael, Good Morning America and Geraldo. Finally, he served as President of the International Funeral Directors Association or “FIAT- IFTA” from 2010-2012. He authored two papers, “The Parental Loss of an Adult Child” and “Unsanctioned and Unrecognized Grief,” and numerous magazine articles. In 1979, when Bill’s father-in-law, Salvador Milan passed away, Bill was asked to join the Board of The Grants Sate Bank. Later, he was served as Chairman of the Board until his Brother-in-law, Paul Milan, returned. In retirement, Bill led the Bible Study at his assisted living residence and along with his wife, Kathy, continued to organize memorial services for both the Parish and the assisted living community where they resided. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Marie Frkovich and by his brother Robert “Bob” Hocker. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Kathy Milan Hocker, five children, Kathleen De Blassie, William A. Hocker and his wife Leane Padilla Hocker, Robert Hocker and his wife Susan, Stephen Hocker, and John Hocker, many grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday the 28th of October 2018 with a Rosary to follow at 5:00P.M. at Saint Teresa de Avila Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday 11:00 A.M. the 29th of October 2018 at Saint Teresa de Avila Catholic Church 500 East High Street in Grants, New Mexico with Father Bryant Hausfeld OFM officiating. Graveside services will follow at Grants Memorial Park with Military Honors conducted by the Grants-Milan VFW Post. Following both Rosary and Graveside services friends and family are invited to the Knights of Columbus Hall 1601 Roosevelt Blvd., Grants, New Mexico. Pallbearers include sons and grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers include Paul Milan, Pete Milan, The Monette Family of Socorro, Ed Fitzgerald, Glenn McMillan, Joe Medina, Chris Sarracino, Francis Padilla, Cecilio Padilla Chris Moore, Arthur Moore, Marcia Lackey, Vina Padilla, Shelia Hocker L. Ruple Harley Jr., Bob Shank and Gerry Mayes. We extend sincere thanks to Monsignor Voorhees and the Christian Community of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Albuquerque as well as Saint Teresa de Avila Catholic Church in Grants, New Mexico. Special thanks to the staff at the Woodmark, for their kindness, care and spirit of service. James Martinez of Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola, NM has been entrusted with Bill's funeral arrangements.