Steven Lee Hockert, age 73, of Nappanee, passed away Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born Nov. 6, 1941, at Goshen Hospital to David and Jeanette (Richmond) Hockert.

On Jan. 19, 1963, he married Kathleen Mitchell. She survives along with two sons: Tad (Deb) Hockert, Goshen; Matthew Hockert, Nappanee; daughter: Lynli Hockert, Nappanee; seven grandchildren: Rebecca; Roxanne; Jared; Brenna; Kassidy; Parker; Mattie; great-grandchildren: James; Nicholas; Sophia; Gracie; and sister: Candace (Robert) Schnepp, Beaverton, Mich. He was preceded in death by a brother: Fred Hockert.

Steven attended Wabash College and Indiana State for engineering. He was an avid golfer (1970 and 1975 Nappanee City Golf Champion at Maxwelton Golf Club), bowler (bowled a 300 game in 1994), master of trivia, and excellent poker player. Steven was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion for many years, he also served as SAL Commander of the Nappanee American Legion Post 154. He was a slow pitched softball umpire for many years and past president of the Nappanee Umpires Association.

Most of his career involved product engineering in the mobile home, modular, and R.V. industry.

Steven was competitive, witty, humorous, intelligent, and compassionate. More importantly, he was a loving husband, father, grandparent, and great grandparent. He spent over 60 years rooting for the Cubs and Irish and loved the 1950’s rock-n-roll music, especially Buddy Holly. On September 17, 2015, “The music died”, but the love and memories never will.

Mr. Hockert will cremated according to his wishes. Family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Nappanee American Legion.