Virgil L. Bocker

Virgil L. Bocker, 86, of Freeport died Wednesday, December 25, 2019 in Walnut Acres Nursing Center. Virgil was born in Shannon, Illinois, on November 11, 1933 the son of Joe and Emma (Buisker) Bocker. Virgil graduated from Shannon High School class of 1950. He married Judith "Judy" Armagost on February 20, 1954 in Shannon, Illinois. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Virgil grew up on a farm outside of Shannon and left to become a mechanic. He started at the Lincoln Mercury dealership and later purchased the Sinclair gas station with two mechanic stalls at the south end of Glick's Triangle. He then moved on as a transmission specialist for Zimmerman Auto in Freeport. In the late 60's he redesigned the G.M. automatic transmission in his own garage, making a deal with G.M. He then moved on as a service manager, when the dealership was sold to Bachrodt Chevrolet. Mr. Bocker stayed with the company and was service manager on South Street where he received many awards including one of the top service managers in the country. He later became the used car manager. From there he purchased the dealership with Paul Tormohlen. He then bought Paul out and purchased several auto dealerships creating The Bocker Group, which were in several Northern Illinois locations. Virgil enjoyed flying his airplanes in younger days, boating in his retirement and woodworking. He served on several Boards in the Freeport area and was a member of the Freeport Noon Rotary Club. In addition to his wife Judy, Virgil is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Barbara) Bocker; daughter, Julene Stewart; four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, best friend Steve Donmeyer and his constant companion Zoe. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services for Mr. Bocker will be Monday, 2:00 P.M. in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N. Walnut Ave. Freeport, Illinois. Rev. Larry Thomson will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service. Private burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport. A memorial fund has been established in his name to include Friends forever Human Society. Please sign Virgil's guestbook and share a remembrance at www.burketubbs.com