Howard Hockert

Howard Harry Hockert, 87, of Grundy Center passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital. A private memorial service was held by the family. Inurnment was held privately at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the Grundy United Methodist Church.

Howard was born on September 21, 1927 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Walter and Olive (Hostler) Hockert. Howard served his country in the United States Navy and then graduated from the Iowa State Teachers College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, in 1950. There he also earned his Master's Degree in Education. Howard was united in marriage to Peggy Hough on August 13, 1950 in Curlew, Iowa. They made Toledo, Iowa their home for 2 years and then moved to Grundy Center in 1953. Together they welcomed two sons into their family.

Howard was a Junior High School Principal in Grundy Center for 36 years, retiring in 1989 at the age of 62. Howard retired early in order to travel with his wife Peggy and enjoy the outdoors he so deeply loved. Howard traveled many places with his wife. They took three separate trips to Europe as well as a number of Caribbean cruises. He was an avid hunter and also enjoyed woodworking. He even sewed his own hunting clothes. Howard was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center. He was a member of the Emerald Lodge No. 334 in Grundy Center and the American Legion. He also served on the Planning and Zoning Board in Grundy Center, and was very proud to lead a Hunters Safety course.

Howard is survived by his wife Peggy of Grundy Center; his sons, Eric Hockert (Jane Doyle) of North Oaks, Minnesota and Mark (Bev) Hockert of Bettendorf, Iowa; his grandchildren Amy (Chris) Winkler, Julie (Trevor) Hiley, Neil (Katie) Hockert and Joy (Eric) Shafer; his great grandchildren Katelyn & Rachel Winkler, Ian & Cooper Hiley, Henry & Mae Hockert, Lucy Shafer and a great grandson still on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.