Robert William Ocken

Bob was born in Turlock, California to Erich and Mable Ocken. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the Liberty Ship, John Drew, during which time he circled the globe. In August of 1945 he was stationed on Kwajalein Island when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

After the war, he returned to Turlock to join his wife. Thereafter, he and his family moved to San Jose, California. In June, 1964 he moved his family to Merced where he was the first proprietor of the Arco Station on the corner of Olice and “G” Street which he operated until 1973. There after he continued to work as an automotive technician iperating Bob’s Auto Service until his retirement.

Bob was a member of Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church, Turlock Legion Post 88. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Member of Scottish Rite, Merced Elks Lodge 1240, Merced Golf and Country Club and a Rotarian. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Ocken. He is survived by daughters Maureen Buckner, (Dick) of Merced, Janet Hamilton, (Tim) of Turlock, and son Bill of Roseville. He also leaves four grandsons, Bob Buchner and wife Christina, Todd Buchner and wife Stacie, Jonathan Hamilton and his wife, Tanaya and Kevin Hamilton and his wife Michelle. He was “Grandpa Great” to Levi, Aleatha, Zayn, Isabell, Rian, Jake, Ivoree, Codi and Case who will join our family in December.

A Special Thanks to La Sierra Care Center for all the care provided to our Dad.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, November 13th, 2015. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Turlock Memorial Park and a Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m. at Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church on Yosemite Avenue.