Jack N. Cokel

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jack N. Cokel, 77 of Aledo, will be Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo. The Rev. John Thieryoung will officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be in Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 5 to 8 PM at Speer Funeral Home, where a rosary will be recited at 5:00 PM. Memorials may be made to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Jack died on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Trinity Pathway Hospice, Bettendorf. Jack Norman Cokel was born on August 31, 1933 in Monmouth, Illinois to Adolph J. & Blanche G. (Black) Cokel. He was united in marriage to Mary Dougherty on July 11, 1953 in Galesburg, Illinois. Jack served his country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Marine Corps. Jack owned and operated Cokel’s Welding, Inc. for over 30 years, retiring in 1993. He had previously worked for Burlington Truck Lines of Galesburg. Jack was an active member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, where he was a trustee. He was a member of the Mercer County YMCA and the Mercer County VFW Post #1571. After retirement, Jack and Mary enjoyed their time spent in Naples, Florida and enjoyed many hours fishing with family and friends. He was a devoted father and grandfather who cherished the time spent together. Those left to cherish Jack’s memory include his wife of 57 years, Mary; 2 daughters: Susie Kehrer of Gilbert Arizona and Theresa Puentes and her husband, Luis of East Moline; a daughter-in-law: Tammy Cokel of Galva; 6 granchildren: Kristine Kehrer; Dr. Jason & Lindsey Kehrer; Miguel Puentes, Esquire; Analicia Puentes; Adrian Puentes and Stephanie Cokel; 2 great-grandchildren: Ryan Kehrer and Lilliana Puentes; 2 sisters: Frances Gibbemeyer and husband, Con of Roseville, MN; Patricia Cokel of Chicago and brothers and their wives: Don & Marcia Cokel and Bernie & Lawana Cokel all of Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents;a son, Stephen and son-in-law: Dan Kehrer.