John Michael Dobrocke, 77

John Michael Dobrocke, 77, of Bigfork, passed away on Dec. 30, 2013, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

“Mike” was born on Sept. 22, 1936, in Long Beach, Calif., to John Stanley and Nondas DeWitt (Brown) Dobrocke.

With Mike’s father being a Navy man, the family traveled throughout the United States from San Francisco to Newport, R.I. Mike graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in Long Beach in 1954.

After graduation, Mike joined the U.S. Navy where he proudly served on the USS Chevalier as a deck hand, receiving the China Service Medal. After his discharge in 1957, Mike returned to Long Beach.

Mike married Collette Abbott in 1958 and raised three children, Robert Fletcher, Tracy and Adrienne, later divorcing in 1970.

Mike worked for the County of Los Angeles from 1958 to 1963 as a surveyor, construction inspector, and also supervised the boat program on the ocean.

In 1970, Mike married Kaye Louise Hinnenkamp and together raised their daughter, Anne Marie, while living in Whitefish They purchased a home in Columbia Falls and lived there from 1977 to 2000.

Mike loved logging in Brookings, Ore., for two years with his uncle, Ray Lane, later moving to Minnesota to work for some time. In January of 1965, Mike joined the California Heat & Frost Asbestos Construction and worked in the insulation trade from his Columbia Falls home. Mike and Kaye were divorced 1988, and Mike continued in the insulation trade until 1998.

On June 10, 2000, Mike married Darlene Weed Eickert, building their home and residing in Bigfork on the Swan River until Mike’s death. Mike loved watching and photographing sunsets, sunrises and the abundant wildlife around their home. He loved all sports, but especially football. This involved traveling to Utah to watch his favorite player, Trevor Reilly, play for the Utes. He enjoyed playing cards and games with friends.

John Michael was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick Dobrocke; and son, Robert Fletcher Dobrocke, who died in a plane wreck in Ferndale near Dobrocke’s home in 2000, just 10 days after Mike and Darlene were married.

Mike was very proud of his Polish heritage and family. He loved his family’s Naval background, and his own service in the Navy. He lived a full life, traveling and/or working in every state. He loved his work and jobs and had strong friendships all around the country, lasting his whole lifetime. He had an incredible memory of every job — where, when and with whom he worked. He will be truly missed by many friends and family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Darlene Dobrocke; stepson, Jeff Eickert, and granddaughter Abbie; daughter, Anne Marie Herzog and Daniel, and Keaton, Gabriel and Nevaeh of Columbia Falls; nephew, Jon Dobrocke, of Bigfork; daughters, Tracy Garry and Adrienne Bievenue and Kevin of Missouri; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and four stepgrandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bigfork Quick Response Unit, 810 Grand Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911; or to a charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held for John at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 3, at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork. Burial will follow services at Lonepine Cemetery.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for John’s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view John’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.