"I'm sorry to have found this story of Michael's passing. I served under him in the Blytheville AFB PMEL Lab in 1989-1990. He was a great boss and leader. I have a fond memory of going with him on a fishing trip to the nearby Spring River. He loved to fish. He made guys like me feel at home when we were away from our home in the service. God bless his soul and his family, Sincerely John D'Amico. "
In loving memory of
Michael Lee Bokish
January 14, 2006
Michael Lee Bokish, age 50, of 2510 Turner Rd., Quincy, died Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 10:58 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.
He was born January 28, 1955 in Richland, Washington the son of Pierre Kenneth and Patricia Lee Sheridan Bokish. On April 4, 1975 he married Patricia Roegge in Spokane, Washington. She survives.
Michael was a career military man, having served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He retired in June of 1994 as a Master Sargeant. His military life required extensive travel, and over the years he and his family lived in a number of different places including Washington, Colorado, Arkansas, and Greece. In 1995 he moved to Quincy, Illinois.
Michael was a "life-long learner", and he continued to learn and to work after his retirement. He worked as a test technician and trainer for Glenayre and Broadcast Electronics for a number of years. Most recently, he worked as a biomedical technician at Denman Medical.
He was also a sports enthusiast. Running was his great passion. He ran in all the local 5K races, and he even traveled to run in out-of-town events. He was a great fan of basketball, and he could often be seen doing his "Pee Wee Herman" dance at family sporting events. Michael loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, and he was an avid fisherman.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many areas of the church, volunteering his time and skill in youth and adult organizations at both local and regional levels.
Michael was well know for his unique sense of humor. He was an eternal optimist and a giving, caring individual. He was always willing to help others. He was a man who would not deny anyone. A lot of people looked up to him, and it was said that "he was a father to more than just his kids".
However, Michael's greatest love was reserved for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He summed it up best when he said, "Having children and grandchildren is what makes life worth living."
In addition to his wife, survivors include his mother, Patricia Lee Stever and her husband, Jerry of McGill, NV; six children: Joshua Lee Bokish and his wife, Natasha of Quincy; Laef Bokish of Mesa, AZ; Shanna Weiland and her husband, Gary of Canton, IL; Mark Bokish of Quincy; Geoffrey Bokish of Quincy; and Brianne Bokish of Quincy; four grandchildren: Kaelobbe and Brieanna Bokish of Quincy; and Alexander and Devyn Weiland of Canton, IL; ten brothers and sisters: James Bokish and his wife, Dee of Sarasota, FL; John Bokish and his wife, Elizabeth of Portland, OR; Terri Lampert of Spokane, WA; Nancy Demers and her husband, Joe of Glendale, CA; Shari Willenbring and her husband, Jeb of Shorewood, WI; Rob Jamison and his wife, Kathleen of East Spokane, WA; Mark Stever and his wife Sandy of Olympia, WA; Lori Casper and her husband, Mike of Duvall, WA; Lloyd Stever and his wife, Kellee of Moses Lake, WA; and Gerald Stever and his wife, LaReina of Battleground, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.
Services will be Friday, January 20, 2006, 10:00 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 210 Cardinal Terrace Dr., with the Bishop Gene Mann officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, where full military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be Thursday, January 19, from 4-7 p.m. at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.