Charles Bokar

A friend of many and a stranger to none, Charlie Bokar was a likable man who possessed a good heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by the family he held most dear, and in him they found a loving mentor who lived by example. Although he will be deeply missed, never to be forgotten are the treasured memories he leaves behind.

By 1929, the days of the flapper and the infamous Roaring Twenties gave way to hard economic times. From coast to coast, financial uncertainty cascaded into panic with the crash of the stock market. Just merely the beginning of hard times in America, the Great Depression was officially launched in a country that had seen much growth and prosperity. Despite these troubling times, Charles and Lottie (Szczepanek) Bokar of Cleveland, Ohio had much to be thankful for as they celebrated the welcomed birth of their son, Charles W. Bokar on April 13, 1929.

Young Charlie grew up never to remember his father as he sadly passed away when Charles was merely six months old. Although in the midst of already hard economic times, his mother supported her young son working as a supervisor at Richmond Brothers Men’s Clothing in Cleveland. Eventually, his mother remarried when Charlie was six years old and William Miller took Charlie on and loved him as his own. Raised an only child, Charlie liked his new stepfather and together their family was complete.

As he grew older, Charlie was known by his peers as Chuck. An outgoing and fun-loving fellow, he shared the friendships of many. He attended the local schools and during his high school years he played baseball and basketball. In fact, his South Flyers basketball team went on to win the city championship before Charlie graduated from South High School in Cleveland with the Class of 1947.

Charlie furthered his education at Ohio University in Athens, attaining his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He signed up to serve with the Ohio National Guard before serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. These were good years for Charlie. He learned and experienced much and came into his own as a young man full of promise and hope.

While serving as the best man at a good friends wedding on Valentine’s Day in 1953, Charlie met the young woman who came to hold his heart for the rest of his days. Margaret Kozan worked as a nurse in Cleveland, and together they shared a whirlwind romance. After dating for three months, the two became engaged, and on November 14, 1953 Charlie and Margaret were happily joined in marriage in Margaret’s hometown of Euclid, Ohio.

Charlie supported his new bride when he landed a position working for the Eaton Corporation. Since 1953, he served in various management capacities with the company until his eventual retirement in 1990. Through the years Charlie and Margaret welcomed the addition of five children into their lives with the births of Charles, Richard, Catherine, JoAnne, and Robert. As a father, Charlie was a nurturing example through his commitment and devotion to his family. When the boys were young he was active in their Boy Scouts and Indian Guides. He loved participating in all of his children’s sports and activities, and over the years memorable times were enjoyed by all. As his children grew older and had families of their own, Charlie savored any time his family was together, especially over the holidays.

Having worked for the Eaton Corporation throughout his career, Charlie and Marge moved to Kentucky for a time when he took a transfer there. In 1987, another transfer included a move to Galesburg, Michigan, and before long they made their lasting home in nearby Lake Doster where Charlie lived for the remainder of his life.

Charlie was ever proud of his Slovenian and Polish heritage. His father was Slovenian, and his mother was Polish, and as a youngster he even learned to speak some polish. Marge was Slovenian as well, and through the years they enjoyed their love for dancing, especially the polka and waltzing. Charlie was also devoted to his Catholic faith and for many years he was a dedicated member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 7796. In addition, Charlie was a past president and member of Mahdi Caravan #142 Order of Al Hambra, a member of KSKJ and the Polish National Alliance, and a past president of the Lake Doster Men’s Golf Association.

A great golfer, Charlie had three holes-in-one to his credit at Lake Doster, one of which was celebrated on Father’s Day while golfing with several of his children. Golfing was Charlie’s main hobby, and he was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan, as well. A tried and true meat and potatoes kind of guy, Charlie wasn’t much of a cook and thankfully, he left all the cooking to Marge. He once even called his daughter, Catherine to find out how to make a hot dog!

One of a kind, Charlie Bokar was truly one of the good old guys. His smile and humorous nature could light up a room, and quite personable and outgoing, all he encountered found it a pleasure to know him. Charlie considered his family his greatest joy, and through his fine example, he served them well. Deeply missed, Charlie will be lovingly and fondly remembered.

Charles W. Bokar, of Plainwell, MI passed away on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the age of 86. Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret “Marge”; four children: Charles (Dr. Laura) Bokar of Naperville IL, Richard Bokar of Willoughby, OH, Catherine Bokar of Plainfield, IL, and Robert Bokar of Batavia, IL; five grandchildren: Emily Bokar, Megan Bokar, Jonathan Bokar, Benjamin Oberman, and Sarah Oberman; son-in-law: Stuart Oberman of Loganville, GA. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Jo Anne Oberman.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4-7 PM with the Rosary being prayed at 4:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-649-1697). The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, 11:00 AM with The Reverend Father Don Klingler officiating at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, 766 S. Farmer St, Otsego. Burial on Friday at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet, IL.

Please visit Charlie’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make a contribution to St. Margaret’s Catholic Church and/or St. Margaret’s Catholic Church St. Vincent DePaul Society.