Submitted by: Dan Rich
William L. Bokhart
Aug. 17, 1923 - Oct. 19, 2000
William L. Bokhart, Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, died at 3 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, in his residence of natural causes.
He was born on August 17, 1923, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to William H. and Matilda C. (Klein) Bok-hart. On September 24, 1949, at St. Bavo's Church in Mishawaka, he married Natalie Baert, who survives. Throughout their 51 years together, they were inseparable. It was truly rare to see William out in public without his loving and devoted wife by his side.
He is also survived by two daughters, Roberta A. Bokhart and Rebecca L. Bokhart of Mishawaka; two sons and their spouses, William A. and Drinda Bokhart and Maurice E. and Sharon Bokhart of South Bend. Also surviving are five sisters and their spouses, Margaret and Richard Ransberger, Elizabeth and Gilbert Jennings, Christina and Charles Beery, Augusta and Arthur Gilman and Maryann and Richard Scheibelhut. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ernest Bokhart. Also surviving are six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
William graduated from Madison High School and in 1948 was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving his country in World War II. He was a life-long farmer and in addition he worked for 33 years at Uniroyal, from which he retired in 1982.
The focus of his entire life was making provisions for and taking care of his family. His devotion and personal sacrifices will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered for his Barbequed Chicken, the twinkle in his blue eyes and all of the good humor (especially when all of the crops were safely in the barn). He was a leader by example that knew the value of a job well done.
A Christian Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 23, in St. Bavo's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Family and friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Penn South Volunteer Fire Department.