Michael John Kokesch

Obituary

Michael John Kokesch was born on October 29, 1952, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was the son of Vernus and Eileen (Doering) Kokesch. Mike was baptized as an infant on November 9, 1952, at St. George Catholic Church in St. George, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart, Minnesota. He received his education at St. Boniface Parochial School in Stewart, until the 7^th grade, then continued his education in Stewart and was a graduate of the Stewart High School Class of 1970.

Mike was in the Army National Guard. He received his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and served six years as a heavy equipment operator with the Winthrop based Army Reserve Support Battalion. He was honorably discharged on July 27, 1978.

On January 2, 1971, Mike was united in marriage to Cathy Jacobson. This marriage was blessed with three boys, Christopher, Chad and Jess.

Mike was a life-long farmer and loved it. He owned and operated Kokesch Farm and Trucking which is located near Stewart, Minnesota.  Through the years he tried many aspects of farming and was very proud of being chosen as a Prime Choice Beef producer.

On October 25, 2015, his was united in marriage to Barb Smiley after being companions for over 28 years. In 2007, Mike and Barb moved into their “retirement home” on Lake Marion, and continued to do what he loved working on the farm.

When Mike wasn’t farming, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. Mike took pride in helping his granddaughters find the best beef stock to show at the fair in 4-H.  He always had a smile on his face and cherished the time spent with his family and friends.

Mike passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, in his home, surrounded by his family and friends, at the age of 63 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Mike is survived by his:
Wife, Barb Smiley of Brownton, MN;
Children, Chris Kokesch of Winthrop, MN,
                  Chad Kokesch of Stewart, MN,
                  Jess Kokesch and his fiancée, Karin Elhard of Stewart, MN;
Father, Vernus Kokesch of Hutchinson, MN;
Mother, Eileen Kokesch of New Ulm, MN;
Mother-In-Law, Janice Smiley of Hastings, MN;
Grandchildren, Mikaela Kokesch, Dakota Kokesch, Milayna Kokesch;
Step-Grandson, Trevor Elhard;
Great Grandchild, Aubrey Kokesch;
Twin Sister, Marg Brugman and her husband, Wendell of Hutchinson, MN,
Sister, Nancy Kokesch of New Ulm, MN;
Brother, Randy Kokesch and his wife, Sandy of Winthrop, MN;
Brothers-In-Laws, Tom Smiley, (Deb)
                                   Tim Smiley, (Kathy)
                                   Mike Smiley, (Karen)
                                   John Smiley, (Keri)
Extra Special Friend, Valentin Garcia, and his wife Rosie and family of Carrizo Springs, TX and Stewart, MN; Kokesch Family Farm Trucking Gang; Many other Nieces, Nephews, relatives, and friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his Grandparents; Father-In-Law, Jerry Smiley; Brother, Greg Kokesch; Brother-In-Law, Al Garding.