Jerry Michael Hocevar

Jerry Michael Hocevar, 82, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at Valle Vista Nursing Home in Lewistown, Montana.

Born on March 27, 1942, in Great Falls, Montana to John & Sis (O'Connell) Hocevar and was one of 6 children.  Jerry was raised on a ranch along the Smith River where he developed a deep appreciation for hard work and a love of the land. This strong foundation shaped his character and work ethic throughout his life. He graduated from Cascade High School in 1961 and then attended college for 2 years at Montana State University in Bozeman where he was a member of the Bobcats football team.  This was an extraordinary achievement for Jerry due to his love for the game of football. This feat truly reflects the size of his heart, grit and determination.  Jerry later served in the United States Marine Corps which demonstrated his discipline and dedication which became hallmarks of his life.

Jerry was married to Bonnie Guza from December 1966 to July 2005 and together, they raised six children.  Jerry's greatest pride was watching his children become the people they are today and the positive impacts of our ever-expanding family.  The ties that bound Jerry to his children are directly linked to the strong work ethics and values he exhibited and taught.

Jerry spent a large part of his life working construction throughout Montana.  When not working in construction, he was immersed in ranching; a dream that became a reality when he moved to the Hocevar Ranch in Denton in 1989. Ranching became his life's work, and he took meticulous care in researching cattle and keeping detailed records across multiple notebooks. His commitment to the land and livestock was unmatched.

Jerry was guided by his faith and found strength in St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, whose protection and guidance mirrored his own role as a steadfast provider for his family. Jerry had an impact on many people through his natural teaching aptitude.  Jerry used his teaching abilities within the church by overseeing Catholic education classes for high school students and serving within the church as a lay presider.  His lifelong passion for geometry and math and mathematics in general had a significant impact on his life.  He would often spend time assisting his children with homework, showcasing his intelligence in working with numbers.  Jerry displayed his expertise in construction and his mathematical prowess while teaching at the Operating Engineers school in Helena.

Jerry's grit and determination were again highlighted in October of 2016 when he suffered a massive stroke.  The doctors gave Jerry 3 to 6 months to live.  True to his nature, Jerry would go thru extensive rehab just to be able to walk again.  Whether it was his blood heritage or just because he was a Hocevar, Jerry proved everyone wrong.  He was described by one nurse as being the toughest S.O.B. she ever met.  That was our Dad, grandpa, great grandpa, relative and friend.

Jerry's life was a testament to hard work, the helping of others and sharing of faith. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn (Sis) Hocevar; his brother, Jack Hocevar; and two beloved grandsons, Mathew Hocevar Jr. and Zachary Hocevar.

He is survived by his six children, 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; Mathew (Susan) Hocevar and their children, Steven (Brittany) Hocevar, Wes (Rachel) Hocevar, Chelsea (Alex) Legere, Amanda Hocevar, Michele (Dwight) Ayers and their children, Cole (Kayla) Ayers and Jacy Ayers, Christopher (Serenity) Hocevar and his children, Elizabeth (Parks) Graham, Christopher Hocevar II, and Dodger (Arjumand) Hocevar, Patrick Hocevar and his son, Kolby Hocevar, Jennifer (Bob) Morris and their children, Austin and Tyrell Morris, Casey Hocevar; siblings, Paul Hocevar, Pauline (Ted) Schaff, Rocky (Carol) Hocevar, and MaryAnn Ward, along with numerous extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at Schnider Funeral Home, 1510 13th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405
Monday March 10, 2025, with viewing starting at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral at 1:00 p.m.

A reception will follow at the funeral home, where family and friends can gather to share memories and celebrate Jerry's life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Great Falls Rescue Mission, Shriners or other charity in Jerry's honor.