Richard “Rick” James Hocking of Galena, IL passed away unexpectedly on January 9, 2024, with his family by his side. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 9 AM until the time of service. Burial will be at a later date. He was born on October 8, 1958, in Hazel Green, WI the son of William and Norma (Doherty) Hocking. Rick attended Galena High School and graduated with the class of 1977. He attended the University of Dubuque where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics. Rick was well known for being an exceptional football player while attending UD. He married his wife of thirty-six years Mary Virtue on May 30, 1987, in Galena. Rick worked for thirty-six years as an Accountant, Bookkeeper, and Controller for several local businesses including the DeSoto House Hotel, Coyote Exhibits and Design, Sproule Construction, Renaissance Restoration, and the Northwest Illinois Special Education Cooperative. He was most proud of his two children and spent time with his family in Keosauqua, IA. Rick was always there when people needed help and had a memorable laughter that will never be forgotten. He enjoyed attending live music, hunting, and fishing, among many other things with his family. Many of those traditions continue today in the Hocking family. Rick is survived by his wife Mary Hocking, and deeply loved children, Anna (Ian) Thill and soon-to-be-born grandson of St. Petersburg, FL, and Adam Hocking of Dubuque, IA, siblings, Mike (Cheri) Hocking of Keosauqua, IA, Kathy (Lauren) Hocking of Oviedo, FL, Pat (Melissa) Hocking of Lisbon, IA, and Jeanna (Chris) Gunning of Ashland, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Galena EMS, including their cousin Glenn Harris, and the staff at Midwest Medical Center. Instead of flowers, memorials may be given to Galena EMS in memory of Rick.
Richard “Rick” Hocking
Our thoughts and prayers to Mary, Adam, Anna and the Hocking family. We wish you strength and love during this difficult time and hope you take comfort in many wonderful memories of Rick and the love he had for his family.
Much love!
Susie and Mike Roth
Sorry for ur loss Hockings Great Man N Dad
My heartfelt sympathy Hockings
Mary and family, We share in your sadness and wish peace for you all through this time. May Rick rest in peace.
I knew Rick when he was a very good athlete in school. He was in my younger brothers grade I think. But he was a hard worker and a great athlete. RIP.
It’s with a heavy heart you have lost your Rick.but you will always remember him as a Great person. I knew him when he was High school with my brother Tom, and our cousin Mike Sproule. Very good in athletics. RIp.
Rick was a senior and I was a 14yo scary eyed sophomore. He is who I looked up to on the football team and a captain. Rick was one hell of a football player. I remember first hearing the loud crack’ (clashing of helmets) and sure enough it was Rick filling a hole and making a tackle. I later watched him in Dubuque doing the same thing at the college level were he was also a stand out LB. One tough cookie gone too soon. RIP Rick. You were one hell of a mentor.