John Cockriel

Decorated WWII Veteran who flew fifty (50) combat missions as a tail gunner with the 15th Army Air Force over Europe died on Thursday November 11, 2010.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday November 16, 2010 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Avenue, St. Paul Park with the Reverend Greg Esty officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday November 15, 2010 at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave. St. Paul Park, MN and one hour prior Tuesday at church.

John H. Cockriel was born February 1, 1921 in Saint Paul Park the son of George and Lillian (Cunningham) Cockriel. He was born and raised on Broadway Hill. He graduated from Saint Paul Park High School in 1939 where he had played basketball and baseball. He served in the Army Air Force from 1942 to 1945 during WWII earning many awards. He married Opal Norman on September 18, 1948. The couple made their home in Saint Paul Park and John worked operating his own gas station.

A special thank you to Healtheast Hospice, Fairview Red Wing Hospice, Staff at Norris Square, Staff at Twin Rivers, and good friends Marge & Doc.

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Opal; sister-in-laws, Rosella and Susan; brother-in-law Vernon; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George Jr., William and James; and sister-in-law Elsie.