(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Jan Keith Ocker age 83 of Kenosha passed away on January 5th ,
2023 surrounded by his family who loved him. Jan was born in
Beloit, WI on March 16, 1939, the son of Roscoe P. and Gladys
H. (Reimer) Ocker. Jan married Linda Wieland in 1963 and they
had four wonderful children. They later divorced. On August 13,
1994, he married Patricia (Roberts) Zarletti.
He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1957 as vice
president of his class. He earned a BA degree from Beloit
College in 1961 and a Master’s degree in Education from UW-
Madison in 1963. He worked for several colleges in Wisconsin,
including Beloit College, UWM, Marquette, Mount Mary and UW-
Parkside, where he was a counselor and Director of Financial Aid
for nearly 40 years, and retired as an Emeriti.
Jan wore many hats in his life and career, he was a milkman at a
dairy farm, past president of Wisconsin Association of Financial
Aid Administrators and UW-Parkside Emeritus retiring in 2013.
He was a member of the National Arbor Day, Audubon and US
National Parks Foundations. He was politically Independent, an
Ornithologist, Botanist, Numismatist, Philatelist and Philanthropist.
Jan enjoyed playing golf and gardening, and had numerous
collections and loved crosswords, playing Bridge, history, parks,
flowers, cats, reading and sports. Jan was very proud on his 80 th
birthday, as he was awarded several proclamations from
Governor Evers, Kenosha Mayor Antaramian, Kenosha County
Executive Kreuser and UW-Parkside Chancellor Ford for his
dedication and service to students in higher education.
Jan is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Patricia, his
daughter, Marci Ocker (Dr. Michael Frank), sons, Steven, Robert
(Denise) and James (Jennifer) Ocker, stepson, Jeffrey Zarletti
(Tina Binotto); stepdaughters, Michelle Zarletti, Cynthia Zarletti
Lee (Dale), grandchildren, Jace, Ava, Jaelyn and Emma Ocker
and Nicholas Frank, Chase and Samantha Kosmicki, Kaila
Zarletti, Hunter, Tanner and Bryce Lee, great Grandchildren,
Karson, Jayce and Kamden and his cousin Leith Rohr and
several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kent and
Neal, granddaughter, Natalie Zarletti, daughter-in-law, Margie
Ocker and niece Teri Lyn Ocker.
Jan wants everyone to know he had a blessed life with a
wonderful wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
and extended family and friends. Their love and support were
everything to him. Second was his 40-year career in education
and the service to his students. Third was his stress-free hobbies
that he enjoyed, especially with family. His motto was “The secret
to LIVING IS GIVING!” Remember, money does not equal love
and always smile. Along with that forever smile, Jan had a unique
sense of humor. When reading his birthday cards out loud, he
would often embellish the given words with his own spicy,
naughty and funny additions. He liked to tease the grandkids
calling them silly names such as “finkleberry” and
“chuckabuggas.”
As his cousin, Leith said, “they don’t make men like Jan
anymore.” His favorite quote was “The measure of a man’s
success in life is not how much he has accumulated, but by how
much he has given away. Jan will be missed by all who knew
him.
Memorial services will be held on Friday January 13 th , 2023, at
12:00 noon in the Kemper Center Founders Hall. (6501-3 rd
Avenue, Kenosha WI) Visitation with the family will be on Friday in
Founders from 10:00AM until the time of services. Memorials
would be appreciated to either Safe Harbor Humane Society or
Hospice Alliance.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
Stephen P. Casey, Funeral Director and owner
(262)653-0667
www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
James Ocker says:
Well you know there is no one who can replace a kind, loving, giving man like the one I called the Brass-monkey.
I will attempt to continue your uncanny ability to deliver kindness, support and family love through recreational family activities. You are simply a wonderful human. I am honored to call you Dad!
May you rest in peace. You will forever be joining us on the putting greens!
Maria Zarletti Rognstad says:
Deepest sympathy to Jan’s entire family. I know he was a blessing to Pat, Jeff, Cyndi Michelle, and their families. Rest easy,you left your legacy in your families hands.
Jen Ocker says:
The Man, The Myth, The Legend!! Jan was the best father-in-law anyone could ask for. His patience, kindness & guidance are among only a few of the wonderful qualities Jan had to offer. He’ll be so missed, glad I had the opportunity to be part of his world & family. Love you forever Jan ❤️
Kaila Zarletti says:
~To the man who taught me so much in life,
I’m so glad that i had the opportunity to have you as my mentor, my biggest fan and my grandpa 😔❤️ Thank you for being someone I can always count on and learn from. You truly have made such an impact in my life and my boys lives 💓💪🏽
I’m so grateful you got to watch me become the mother I am today despite everything you watched me go through 🥺
The boys and I love you always 💙We will miss you so so much
Michael Jabs says:
I had the honor to know Jan for many years. In all of that time he was always Jan, a man who was built of respect, humor, warmth, wisdom, kindness, and love. He was a man that others aspire to become. The patriarch of a wonderful family who will, by their daily actions and words, allow Jan to continue to be with us.
Jan was a pure soul and I’ll never forget him.
My sincerest condolences to you all.
Jeff Zarletti says:
“God, thank you for being with us right now.💒
We confess that we don’t understand why things happen the way they do.
We don’t understand why illness comes into our lives, but we do know that you walk every path of life with us.
Remind Jan that you are walking with him right now. Remind Jan that you love him, no matter what he is going through.
I also pray for Jan’s family. Give them your strength as they care for Jan. God, we thank you that you never leave us, that you never forsake us, but you love us. We trust you, and pray this in your name. Amen.”👼
Your legacy will continue in the eyes of your grandchildren!🥰
You will be truly missed you big oak tree!🌳
Cathy Mahaffey says:
Rob, Denise, James, Jen, Marci, Mike, and Steve,
The Mahaffeys are so sad to hear about Jan’s passing. You all were so blessed to have him in your life. He was a wonderful man. We are thinking of you all and holding you in our prayers.
Cathy, Tim, Jacob, and Zach
John/Beverly Hanawalt says:
We lived next door to Jan and Linda while the younger kids were growing up in Sturtevant. The times were lively and fun filled.
We are sorry to hear of his passing. Well wishes to the kids.
Janine Chiaverotti says:
I was so fortunate to experience Jan’s love for life. I can still see him arriving at UW-Parkside on his recumbent bike as though it was yesterday. One can only believe he is now riding with the best. My sympathy to the entire family.
Kris Ocker Penniall says:
I have many fond memories of Uncle Jan. He had a truly wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh. He was an all around good human. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Tanner Lee says:
To the man who always had the best intentions in his heart, helped many people with life advice. He is the only grandpa who has been around since I was born. He will be missed the dearest and kindest man I even new. Love all of the memories I am left with. Such a Great man.
Linda Bautista says:
When I first arrived at Parkside in 2002 Jan was my mentor. He taught me all I know about financial aid. He was always cracking jokes, giving me advice, and was an all around good guy. Although I can’t fully describe who he was as he wore many hats, I though of him as a big teddy bear always making me feel good and watching out for me and our office. When he retired I was sorry to see him go but understood that he needed that. I sit here writing this with tears in my eyes as I will always miss him. Rest in Peace ya big teddy bear. We will remember all the fond memories you have left us with.
My condolences to Pat and family.
John and Patti Mielke says:
Pat — very sorry for your loss. Patti and I extend our condolences to Jan’s entire family.
Working with Jan at UW-Parkside was a pleasure. His smile was contagious and it always made me wonder (just a little bit) what he knew and I didn’t.
Pat Ocker says:
Thank you John and Patti. Yes, he was everything to me. Your message made me chuckle a bit.
James Crowley says:
I only knew Jan for a brief time. The minute I met him. I fell in love with the fact that he always had a smile on his face! He never said a bad thing about anyone. He truly will be deeply missed.
Robert Ocker says:
Jan… you will always be Dad to me!
You inspired, encouraged, disciplined, loved,laughed,cried and loved me unconditionally.
I am a better human being because of you. I will live your legacy and always keep your spirit alive in our hearts!
Love your son, Robert