Walter M. Bokovitz, Sr.

Madison -- Walter M. Bokovitz, Sr., age 75, died on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at his home in Madison after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 12, 1933 to Matthew and Mary (Modey) Bokovitz in Whipple, West Virginia. Walter graduated from Collins High School in Oak Hill, West Virginia in 1952. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956. Walter graduated from Cleveland State in Ohio with a degree in business. On August 12, 1961, he was united in marriage to June Ann Toplak in Willoughby, Ohio. They moved to Madison in 1973. Walter was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #4527, Madison Elks #410, and had active involvement with the St. Maria Garetti Parish. He enjoyed bartending for the Knights of Columbus, golfing, following the Badgers football and basketball, and spending his winters in Destin, Florida. Walter is survived by his wife, June; children, Deborah Hansen, Katherine (Raymond) Hoffmann, Walter (Audra) Bokovitz, Jr., and Vicki (John) Julian; his 12 grandchildren ages 3-19; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Cecelia (Robert) Gray; and brothers, Edward (Joanne) Bokovitz, and John Bokovitz. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2008 at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, with Msgr. Michael L. Burke presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison, WI 53717; the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or to the St. Maria Goretti Parish, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to thank all our friends and the staff at Hospice and St. Maria Goretti for their time and support during this time.