Francis S. Hochrein, age 94, of Berlin, died peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, July 3, 2013.

He was born April 11, 1919 in Mt. Calvary, WI, the son of August and Anna Blonigen Hochrein.  He attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Fond du Lac, St. Norbert’s in DePere, and Marquette University in Milwaukee.  On May 23, 1942, he was united in marriage to Irene Gelhar in Milwaukee.

In his early years, Hooky worked at Pepsi for three years, and then began a career in the sand business, working for A.F. Gelhar Co. for 30 years and Badger Mining for the next 25 years.  Hooky was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and was involved in many civic organizations including;

The Knights of Columbus, Mascoutin Golf Club, Charter Member of the N.E. Wisconsin American Foundry Association, Past Board Member of the Berlin City Development Corp, The Mendota Gridiron Club, and the American Society of Retired People.  Hooky was an avid football fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.  He was a season ticket holder for both (and was at the Ice Bowl Game!).   He enjoyed all sports and in his youth participated in boxing, football, and basketball in High School and college.  He also bowled and played in city softball leagues.

Hooky is survived by his wife of 71 years, Irene; their children, Paul (Judy) Hochrein of Berlin, Terri (Harlen) Rosin of Wild Rose, and Ann Hochrein of KY; grandchildren, Clinton Duhm, Aaron Duhm, Sally Ann (Josh) Borland, Steven Rosin & Spencer Rosin; step-grandchildren Amanda (Mark) Crystal, Jeremy (April) Oakes, and Heidi (Shawn) Oakes; great-grandchildren, Alexandria, & Jagger; step-great-grandchildren, Alexis and Jeffrey John; his godchild, Jill Wiske; sister-in-law, Ruth Gelhar; nephew, Jim (Pat) Gelhar; and niece, Nancy (Pat) Dallas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Irene’s parents, an infant daughter and infant grandson, brother-in-law, half-brother and sister-in-law.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, (Hwy 49 south of Berlin) the Rev. Phillip Krogman officiating. Private inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.  There will be no visitation, but family and friends are invited to gather for lunch in the fellowship hall at Grace Lutheran Church (across from the hospital) following the Mass.  The family suggests memorials be directed to The Mendota Club, Berlin Athletic Booster Club, or Berlin Food Pantry.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com