Charline Bocchini

Charline (Char) Myra Bocchini, 92, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on June 8, 2023. 

Char was born to Andrew and Elsie (Leifer) Van Der Elsen on February 27, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She graduated from South Division High School in 1949. Her first job was at Allen Bradley as a typist.  Later she was the secretary at Immaculate Conception in Bay View where she worked with several nuns and priests including life-long friend Father Victor Capriolo.  Char married Tony Bocchini April 21^st, 1951, in Milwaukee.

Char’s greatest achievement was raising 6 children. In Milwaukee, Char and Tony were very involved in continual fundraising efforts for Immaculate Conception church and school including founding member of the South Shore Scholarship for families who otherwise may not qualify for scholarships.  During this time, summer vacations were in the UP with 10-12 other families from the Church.  In 1972, the Bocchini crew headed out of Bay View and moved to Kohler. This is when Char started her golf game, enjoying many years at both Town and Country and Quit Qui Oc. In 1978 when the Sports Core opened, she expanded her athleticism by playing tennis with her good friend Di Biwan.  Char’s volunteer efforts were directed to her involvement with Kohler United Way and Kohler Booster club. 

Her travels with Tony and her girlfriends took her all around the world including China, France, Italy, Egypt, Portugal, Spain, London and many more.  Char loved going to Las Vegas, first with the crews from Immaculate Conception and later with family and friends. You could find her late night or early mornings at the quarter slots.  An avid lifelong card player – Bridge,  Cribbage and Sheepshead (Call an Ace) were her games. House rule - be prepared to lose a dollar if she beat you in cribbage. Char ran a home with a swinging door where friends and family were always welcome, an extra plate at the table not uncommon, she was well known for her spaghetti dinners.  Above all, we can safely say that her greatest pleasure of all was being a grandmother.

Char is survived by three daughters; Debi (Monte) Berget of Arizona, Diane Siever of Sheboygan, Donna (David) Krueger of Kohler; two sons, David Bocchini of Costa Rica, Doug (Lisa) Bocchini of Plymouth.  Nine grandchildren; Rachelle Siever, Matthew Siever, Andrew (Ifeoma) Miller, Douglas Bocchini, AJ Bocchini, Michael Krueger (Fiancé, Jessica, and their daughter, Ariea), Dominic (Hannah) Bocchini, Anthony “Little Tony” Bocchini, Lucas Bocchini; and three great-grandchildren, Adrian Fale, Isabella King and Avery James Miller.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Richard Bocchini of Philadelphia, PA and many nieces and nephews. 

Char is preceded in death by her husband; Tony, parents, Elsie and Andrew Van Der Elsen; daughter, Daryl (Jim) Miller; brother, Russell (Carol) Van Der Elsen; sister, Elaine (Neill) Boushon; mother-in-law, Mary C. Bocchini; father-in-law, Anthony Bockini; and sister-in-law, Connie Bocchini

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Char’s life will be held on Monday, June 12th at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Kohler with Father Jonathon Schmeckel officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler

Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am

In lieu of flowers, please provide donation to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Kohler or United Cerebral Palsy.