Hockerman, Vernon Portage/Waukesha, WI Vernon Hockerman a recent resident of Portage and a long -time resident of the Waukesha-Pewaukee area passed away on Friday, January 18, 2018 at Divine savior Healthcare -Tivoli in Portage. Vern was born on July 4, 1944 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Lewis and LaVerna (Oelerking) Hockerman. The family lived and farmed for many years near Westfield, Vern graduated from Westfield High School in 1962. More than 50 years ago, Vern bought a girl a hamburger on a Saturday night and started a love story that would shape two lives. That girl, Barbara Zastrow of Portage, would become his wife, the two were married on August 17, 1968. Vern and Barb traveled extensively in the U.S. and developed a special fondness for Wyoming and casinos. They had close relationships with numerous friends throughout the country and in the Milwaukee and Portage area. Vern graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering and was employed for many years at Johnson Controls in Milwaukee. He went on to work for Metrix in Waukesha where he retired in 2015. Vernon is survived by his brother and families, Bud (Kathy) Hockerman, Don (Debbie) Hockerman, and sister Shirley (Richard) Marotz all of Westfield, WI and numerous nieces and Nephews. Vern's quiet ways and quick wit will also be missed many friends and family from extended Lipke and Zastrow families. Vernon was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, Edward and Matilda Hockerman, Fred and Millie Olerking, his parents and his wife Barb ("Bear").He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Bob and Irene Zastrow and grandparents-in-law, Frank and Lila Henne with whom he enjoyed a close relationship. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Rev. Rodney Armon presiding. Inurnment will be at the Silver Lake Cemetery in portage. Memorials may be directed to an animal shelter of your choice, The American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the Staffs at Tivoli and Agrace Hospice care and to Rev. Armon and Rev. Greg Hovland for making Vern's last days comfortable and positive.   Service Details. Visitation One hour prior to the service at church. Service A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage on Wednesday, January 23, 2019Interment Inurnment will be at the Silver Lake Cemetery in portage.Memorial Contributions Memorials may be directed to an animal shelter of your choice, The American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your choice.