Elvin Michael Kocich

Our daddy Elvin Kocich, age 92, left this world September 30, 2015 to dance with his sons Anthony and Michael as they reunite in the presence of the Lord. Born on September 29, 1923 in a farmhouse in Moravia, Texas, he was a proud Texan and an even prouder Czech-American. Elvin is a WWII veteran who valiantly served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 in Company M 157th Infantry Division as a heavy machine gunner. Captured in battle by the Germans, he remained a P.O.W. for 3 months. He received commendations for his dedication and bravery, earning medals including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct, American Theater Campaign, EAME Campaign medal with Bronze Star, WWII Victory, P.O.W., Combat Infantryman Badge, and Honorable Service. Upon his return home to Moravia, Texas Elvin continued farming and later met and married his "sweetheart" Martha Shimek, sharing 60 amazing years together. They began their family in Moravia, then spent a few years in San Angelo where he worked as a mechanic for John Deere. In 1966 the family moved to Sugar Land where they raised their 7 children. Elvin worked for Sugar Land Industries and Imperial Sugar before retiring in 1992, and continued mowing yards with Martha until age 87. He loved his Czech music and dancing with his sweetheart. They enjoyed traveling to polka festivals, teaching their children and grand children how to make that special "Papa" sausage, lake house holidays spent with family, and many a dinner at their favorite Mexican food restaurants. He was a life member of the VFW Hallettsville and a 41 year member of the Knights of Columbus 4204 in Sugar Land. He was preceded in death by his sons Michael and Anthony, parents Louis and Sophie Schwartz Kocich, sister Willie Mae Krupala, brother Marvin Kocich, and twin sister Evelyn Vornsand. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Martha Kocich, his children John Kocich, David Kocich, Frances Rychlik and husband Mike, Danny Kocich and wife Jennifer, Monica Borak and husband Ronald, and Carol Kocich. He also leaves behind a beautiful legacy of ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Sunday October 4 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Davis Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg, with a Rosary to begin at 6 p.m. A celebration mass will be held Monday October 5 at noon at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land Reception immediately following at St. Theresa's Community Center. Burial at 3:30 p.m. at Davis Greenlawn Cemetery will include full military honors to be presented by V.F.W. Post 9182. In lieu of flowers, Elvin would love donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of his wife and forever sweetheart, Martha.

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Elvin Michael Kocich

September 29, 1923 - September 30, 2015