Elroy Erwin Kocourek, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Elroy was born January 14, 1934, in the Township of Maple Grove, son of the late John and Rose (Pritzl) Kocourek. Elroy was the youngest of 12 children.
In 1977, Elroy had a farm accident that resulted in the loss of his left arm and most of his right hand. Despite that, he never let it define him. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment. He was eccentric and quirky and was always so much fun to be around. Elroy was a little ‘crusty on the outside,’ but was soft-hearted on the inside. He loved gardening so much, he created “Grandpa’s Hobby Greenhouse” where he tended to thousands of succulents and cacti. You would find Elroy at the Manitowoc Farmer’s Market every Saturday sharing his knowledge and passion with anyone who would listen. You might recognize him by his token blue jumpsuit he wore everywhere he went. Elroy also enjoyed attending flea markets, fishing, and trips to door county for fresh apples and driving his side by side in the countryside with his best friend Judi Bodwin.
Elroy will be missed by his children: Michael (Irene) Kocourek, George (Terri) Kocourek, Alan Kocourek, Gina Powell, Ed (Brenda) Kocourek, Donna (Roger) Naidl, Julie (Nathan) Pardo, and Elroy Junior (Samantha) Kocourek; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends – including his faithful 4-legged companion, Oliver, and his McDonald’s breakfast group.
He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Rose; two children: Connie and Donald; siblings: Marie, John, Harold, Leonard, Roman, Clarence, Marcella, Lester, Rosemary, Elizabeth, and Ralph; mothers of his children: Jolleen and Carol; and wife: Joyce.
Private family services will be held in honor of Elroy.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aurora at Home Hospice and Melody Decker for the compassionate care shown to Elroy and his family.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
