Memorial
Willard “Bill/Bus” M. Vokt, 91, of Marion, died at his home with family at his side on Friday, March 17, 2017. Funeral Service: 1:00 pm Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with visitation one hour prior to service. Officiating: Chaplain Bill Warhover. Private family graveside Service: Dunkard Cemetery, Midway at a later date.
Bill was born, the son of Emil and Henrietta (Frey) Vokt, on June 12, 1925, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Franklin High School. After graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps and served until 1946, completing military service as a sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge from service, Bill returned to Cedar Rapids and married Claire Neal in 1947. They had one son, William in 1959. Claire died in 1977 and son, Billy, died in 1978.
After military service, Bill worked as a machinist. He made a decision to pursue his carpentry skills and entered into a career in custom home building in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas. In early 1971, Bill answered a newspaper ad for a carpenter position at Mercy Hospital and was hired. During his tenure at Mercy, Bill designed and built many projects. Prior to retirement, his final project was the design and crafting of the Stations of the Cross, lectern, altar and finish work of the new chapel at Mercy Medical Center under the direction of Sister Mary Lawrence, his advisor and friend.
In 1980, Bill met and married his second wife, Patricia “Patty”. To this union came the addition of three sons: Steven, Jon and James.
Bill was an avid bowler and also a volunteer of several years for Special Olympics. Bill went on many fishing trips to Canada and hunting trips in Southern Iowa with his buddies. He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, waterskiing and snowmobiling at Coralville Lake and later at Lake Delhi, where he built a home near the lake. Golfing was another of Bill’s favorite activities. He and friends played at courses throughout Iowa every weekend and took annual golf trips to other states to experience the great courses. Bill lost his eyesight to macular degeneration several years ago and was no longer able to participate in sporting activities.
Throughout the years, another favorite for Bill was cooking. He was an excellent cook and always “at home” in the kitchen. Bill served a variety of tasty meals at holidays and gatherings for family and friends.
In October 2013, Bill and friend, Mark Megonigle, made a memorable trip to Washington, D.C. as part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.
Bill was proud of his sons and all of their accomplishments throughout the years. He also enjoyed attending activities of his many grandchildren and participating in their lives.
We treasure the years we were together as a family. He was good husband, father, and grandfather. Our lives are richer for having been a part of his life. Bill made many friendships throughout his lifetime and had wonderful stories to relate to us. We have so many memories to cherish. Thank you to all from the beginning to the end for being part of a life well lived.
Survivors include his wife, Patty Vokt; three sons, Steve (Carol) Yates, Jon (Tipsunee) Yates, James (Cindy) Yates; thirteen grandchildren, Nicholos, LilyMay (Jason), Georgia (Jason), Amber (Nelson), Kimberly (Chris), Duncan (Gio), Jonathan, Cassady, Andrew (Roy), Fasha (Sam), Wes (Rachel), Ariel (Randy), and Jay; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Linda Trumm; her sons, Robert (Heidi), and Michael (daughter, Jazmyne) Lattimer; brothers-in-law, Norman and William (Evelyn) Neal; and several nieces and nephews from the Neal families, all of whom had a special place in his heart. And last, but not least, dear friends, Mark and Kelley Megonigle, Susan and Larry Kroemer, and Joyce Lins, always available with love and friendship.
He was preceded in death by his first wife; son; parents; brother-in-law, Vern; and sister-in-law, Doris.
Bill truly appreciated all his family and also friends who were there for him during the loss of his eyesight and health.
Bill and Patty had an opportunity to enrich their lives with the rescue and adoption of their canine companions, Abby and Max.
A special tribute to all of our grandchildren, each of you provided lots of wonderful memories and love.
A special thank you to the Hospice of Mercy Support Team: Chaplain Bill; Social Worker, Sara; Nurses, Christa and Debbie and Aide, Lisa.
Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy, 315 18th Avenue, Hiawatha, IA 52233 in Bill’s name.