Dennis D. Pockat, age 74, of Caroline passed away Sunday, March 8, 2020 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton.
Dennis Donald Pockat was born on August 6, 1945 in Shawano to Ervin and Adeline (Begrow) Pockat. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Grant in Shawano County and attended Tigerton High School. Dennis was united in marriage on September 25, 1971 to Audrey L. Splittgerber at St. John Lutheran Church, Town of Grant. The couple farmed with his family on the family dairy farm in the Town of Grant for many years, until the mid-1980’s. Dennis also hauled milk for Beil’s Cheese Factory during that time. Later on, Dennis began working at Marion Plywood Cooperation mostly as a lathe operator for just over 20 years. The couple and their children settled in Caroline in 1989.
Dennis was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, Town of Grant where also served as a church elder. Dennis enjoyed being outdoors and in his early days, his interests included trout fishing, deer hunting, and ice fishing. He also enjoyed working in the family garden, collecting sap and cooking maple syrup. Dennis was active as a club leader for the Caroline Aces 4-H Club for the past 25 years.
He always enjoyed listening to polka music as well as classic country. Dennis met Audrey at the Caroline Ballroom, where they often enjoyed polka dancing. The couple also enjoyed bowling in a couple’s league in their early years together. He will be remembered most as a devoted husband and a proud father.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Audrey; two children, Mary Pockat of Kronenwetter and Donald Pockat of Caroline; and his mother, Adeline Pockat of Caroline. There are three siblings, David (Susan) Pockat of Clintonville, Judie (Ervin) Degener of Clintonville, and Janice Pockat of Caroline. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his father Ervin and an infant daughter.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, Town of Grant. Rev. Dean Suehring will officiate and burial will be at Greenleaf Cemetery, Marion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting with the arrangements.
Our family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center for the wonderful care provided. We also wish to thank a special nephrologist, Dr. Osaid Ahmad, of Appleton; and the excellent staff at Fresenius Kidney Care of Shawano for the kind and compassionate care given. Finally, we especially want to thank Pastor Dean for taking the time to visit and pray for Dennis.
