Bill Vocke

William (Bill) Lee Vocke III was born September 18, 1941, in Loup City, NE. With family gathered by his side, he passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at CHI St. Francis. He was the son of Darlene (Jensen) and William Vocke Jr.

He graduated from Litchfield High School and couldn’t wait to begin his first love of farming. Bill soon married Cornelia Bernert and had 3 girls, where he lived on a farm and worked at the Ordnance Plant until her passing. He went to work at The West Co. and farming became part-time. He married Norma (Zinnel) Gillming December 18, 1971. He was very proud to celebrate 53 years of marriage with her. He loved to gamble, and it became a quick getaway when he needed a break. “Billy”, as his family called him, loved tractor pulling. He even got Maxine involved and together they won many trophies. He would go on to buy a pulling sled which became a place of joy for him and Norma. They attended many county fairs and celebrations in many states. William was always so excited when family would come to share the pulls with him. A grandkid may even have been spotted riding at the helm with Bill going down the track. When asked what his greatest accomplishment was, he replied ‘my family’. He was truly proud of each and everyone of them with their accomplishments as they have grown through the years even down to the great grandkids just learning to crawl or rollover,

He is survived by his wife, Norma; son Michael Gillming; daughters, Becky (Joel) Christenson; Maxine Wetzel; Lynda (Keith) Pelton; sister, Judy Trumble; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cornelia (Bernert) Vocke, sister Erma Shafto and brother-in-law Delmar Shafto, brother-in-law Clarence Trumble and daughter-in-law Graci Gillming.

Bye Bye Butterfly

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will follow in the Mason City Cemetery in Mason City. Memorials are suggested to The Family for future designation. please send memorials to Custer Federal State Bank at PO Box 310, 341 South 10th Ave, Broken Bow, NE 68822 c/o Bill Vocke. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Monday, July 14th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of condolence or remembrance may be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Memorials are suggested to The Family for future designation. 

Please send memorials to Custer Federal State Bank at PO Box 310, 341 South 10th Ave, Broken Bow, NE 68822, c/o Bill Vocke.