Joseph Anthony Kokott 86, of Arcadia passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017, at Gundersen Tri County Care Center in Whitehall, WI.
Joe was born on March 13, 1930, in Trout Run Valley, Town of Arcadia, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin to Joseph P. and Petronella (Kamrowski) Kokott.
Joe attended local schools and in 1951 enlisted in the United States Army. He received basic training in Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii. He was a member of the U.S. Army 1st Calvary Division and served 2 tours of duty in Korea. He was wounded in action and was a recipient of the Purple Heart in addition to other medals. He participated in atomic bomb detonation, Desert Rock in Nevada in 1953.
After his tour of duty, he returned to Arcadia and was employed at Arcadia Manufacturing Corp. as Purchasing Agent. He then was employed at Go-Star Furniture in Rollingstone, Minnesota, as Plant Manager for 71/2 years and was a Security Officer at Gold 'n Plump and A-G Cooperative for 20 years.
He was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion, holding various posts in the American Legion including Post Commander of American Legion Post 17, Arcadia, Trempealeau County Adjutant and 10th District Sergeant at Arms.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish.
Joe is survived by his sisters: Joan Nehasil of Livonina, MI, Lucille (Special brother-in-law,Marcel) Guza of Independence, Patricia Kriesel of Trempealeau, and many nieces and nephews. Joe is also survived by friends: Carl and Barbara Stone, Rollie Sobotta, Al Woychik, Ron Benrud, Ralph Johnson, Jerome Schank, and Donny Kolwalsky. He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Petronella Kokott; sister: Jeanette Myers; brothers-in-law: George Nehasil, Roland Kriesel, Gerald Myers; nephews: baby boy Guza, Gerald Myers Jr. and beloved aunt and uncle: Allie and Evelyn Kokott.
Private Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish with Rev. Woodrow Pace and Rev. William Kulas officiating. Private visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery with Military Rites performed by Tickfer-Erickson Legion Post 17.
Visitation
MAR
11.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)
Holy Family Parish
223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
Rosary
MAR
11.
10:30 AM (CST)
Holy Family Parish
223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
Mass of Christian Burial
MAR
11.
11:00 AM (CST)
Holy Family Parish
223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612