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John W. Cockrell formerly of Downers Grove John W. Cockrell, 87, of Eagle River, Wis., passed away on June 28, 2010, at Howard Young Hospital, in Woodruff, Wis., surrounded by his wife and family. John was born in Brookfield, Ill. on Jan. 17, 1923, to Willis and Anna Cockrell. He attended grade school at St. Joseph Catholic and high school at Downers Grove North. He served in the Army during World War II in the Asia Pacific Theatre. In 1949, he married Helen T. Cinker of Cornucopia, Wis. He was an active member of the Fairview Homeowners Association, when he and Helen built their first home on Washington Street in Downers Grove. At that time he owned and operated DuPage Excavating and was a member of Local 150. In 1958, he was elected Justice of the Peace from Downers Grove Township and after as Magistrate of the DuPage County Circuit Court. In 1962, he began working in the Circuit Clerk's office, introducing computers to facilitate the second largest court system in Illinois. In 1971, John was elected Clerk of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court and held that position until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure, John served as president of the Illinois Association of Court Clerks, president of the Illinois Association of County Officials, member of the DuPage County Law Enforcement Commission, and the Crescent Criminal Justice Authority. He was also an active member of the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization, the Downers Grove Lions Club, and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Upon retirement, John and Helen made their home in Eagle River, Wis. He was on the board at the Kalmar Senior Center and an active member of the Northwood's Carvers. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, painting, woodcarving, playing cards, and visiting with family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen; daughters, Susan Sheldon of Downers Grove, Theresa Cockrell of Downers Grove and Janis (James) Gorski of Libertyville; sister, Anna Johnston of Wheaton; four grandchildren, Amanda (Mark) Roe, Amber (Collin) Verbick, and Daniel and Emily Gorski; and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Miles Roe. He touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, at St. Joseph Church, southeast corner of Main Street and Prairie Avenue in Downers Grove. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kalmar Senior Center, 1011 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, Wis.
Published in Chicago Suburban Daily Herald on July 11, 2010
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