Frank J. Kocina

Obituary

Frank Joseph Kocina Jr. was born on December 22, 1933, in Montgomery, Minnesota. He was the son of Frank Theodore Sr. and Mary Helen (Novotny) Kocina. Frank was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in the Catholic faith as a youth. He received his education in Glencoe and graduated from Glencoe High School with the class of 1952. He continued his education at the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Frank entered military service with the United States Army on June 10, 1953. He served as a Corporal (T) and was a helicopter mechanic. He was presented with the National Defense Service Medal. Frank received an honorable discharge on May 9, 1955.

On June 4, 1953, Frank was united in marriage to Virginia “Ginger” Ruth Mayer at St. George Catholic Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. They made their home in Glencoe. Frank and Ginger had 6 wonderful children: Steve, Lonny, John, Linda, Frank “Sam”, and Mary. Ginger was the great love of Frank’s life, and they were blessed to share over 71 years together.

Frank was self-employed as a floor covering installer and retired in 1992 after being diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer. After several rounds of experimental treatment, he recovered to live a full life. Frank was a long-time member of the Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe. Frank enjoyed anything that involved being outdoors: whether he was fishing, camping with family, observing the wildlife, or caring for the horses. Frank spent many hours on various woodworking projects in his shop. Many wonderful memories were made when he and Ginger traveled around the United States in their camper van. Spending time with his family was time he truly treasured.

Frank passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at his home in Glencoe at the age of 91. Blessed be his memory.

Frank is survived by his
Wife, Virginia “Ginger” Kocina of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Steve Kocina and his wife, Vicki, of Brainerd, MN,
                Lonny Kocina and his wife, Robin, of New Prague, MN,
                John Kocina and his wife, Sandy, of Good Thunder, MN,
                Linda Ratike and her husband, Jeff, of Glencoe, MN,
                Frank “Sam” Kocina and his wife, Julie, of Savage, MN,
                Mary Kline and her husband, Rick, of Crossville, TN;
Grandchildren, Scott Ratike, Andy (Danielle) Ratike, Frank “Joe” (Michelle) Kocina, Alex Kocina, Evan (fiancé, Kathy Maharaj) Kline, Claire (Patrick) Ryan, Jason (Melissa) Kocina, Clayton (Kathleen) Kocina, Jason (significant other, Becca Hahn) Kocina, Marc (Katie) Kocina;
16 Great-Grandchildren;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Frank Sr. and Mary Kocina; Siblings, Harold Kocina, Elaine Hardy, and Ronald Kocina.

Frank’s family would like to give their sincerest thank you to the Allina Hospice team for the wonderful care they provided to Dad and his family.