Tillie Hockert

Berthella Josephine Winkels, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Molitor) Winkels, was born November 26, 1917 in Donnelly , Minnesota , where she grew up. She attended and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. She continued her education at the West Central School of Agriculture in the Business program. Following her schooling, Tillie went to Minneapolis and worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. On June 3, 1950, she was united in marriage to Robert Hockert at St. Elizabeth Church in Minneapolis , Minnesota . Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Minneapolis , where Tillie continued to work for the Telephone Company. The couple later moved to Morris and Tillie continued working for the Telephone Company and also worked at the S & L Department Store for many years as well as other various stores in Morris.

Tillie was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, where she was active with the Daughters of Isabella and Christian Mothers. She was also a member of the VFW, American Legion and Eagles Auxiliaries and a Gold Star Sister. She served on the Historical and Genealogical Society, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross Bloodmobile. Tillie liked to play cards, do board games and crossword puzzles. Tillie enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids.

Tillie died on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at West Wind Village in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 92 years.

She is survived by one son: Ed Hockert of Morris; one daughter: Judy (Dave) Schulz of Hancock; four grandchildren: Chuck (Kathy) Schulz of Coon Rapids, Jennifer (Dylan) Brakken of Alexandria and Blake and Paul Hockert of Morris and three great-grandchildren: Samantha Schultz and Jaret and Brady Brakken. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents and brothers and sisters.

Pallbearers for the service are: Tom Schreader, Dave Schreader, Dan Dripps, Dave Dripps, Jim Winkels and Dan Hockert. Honorary pallbearers are all of Tillie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Linda Hodgson will serve as pianist for the service with Lisa Cain and Linda Anderson serving as soloists. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.