Clarence F. Kochel

Clarence Franklin Kochel
83, of New Lenox, formerly of Joliet, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 14, 2022. A lifelong resident of Joliet, Clarence was born to his loving parents, the late Everett and Katherine (nee Ernst) Kochel. Beloved husband of 60 years of the late Mary Ann (nee Steinquist) Kochel; loving father of Jeffrey (Terri) Kochel and Kimberly (late Timothy) Clark; cherished grandfather of Andrew (Shelby) Kochel, Alyssa (Daniel) Dixon, Michelle (John) Medlin, Megan (Joe) Moreno, and Madeline (fiancé Salvatore Sierra) Franzen; proud great-grandfather of Adeline Kochel, Jack, Luke, Fiona, Clara, and Shane Medlin, Leo and Vinny Moreno; dear brother of nine brothers, who all preceded him in death; loved uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Clarence was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran (1955–59), serving in Okinawa in an amphibious assault unit. He was a member of Faith Bible Church, where he joyfully served in many ministries, including the Seniors of Faith. Clarence loved to travel and adventured to nearly all of the United States. Throughout the years, he enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s many musical and sporting events. Clarence was always the first to lend a hand and volunteered at the Christian Youth Center for many years. He was an avid fisherman and loved watching football games and old westerns. Clarence’s caring and thoughtful heart will be profoundly missed and dearly remembered. Memorial donations may be made to Gull Lake Ministries in Clarence’s name. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel on Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 9:00 am until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet.