John “Crocky” Van Brocklin Jr., age 83 of Gladstone passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center in Iron Mountain.
John was born August 2, 1941 in Marquette, the son of John “Jack” and Isabelle “Izzy” (Dionne) Van Brocklin Sr. He attended and graduated from the Gladstone High School. He was united in marriage to Carol Koster for 62 years. John served his country in the US Army, with the 101st Airborne Division and is a Vietnam War Veteran. He was an iron worker with the Iron Workers Local 8 Union for many years. John is a member of the Gladstone American Legion Post 71, enjoyed woodworking, making gun replicas and is an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.
John is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, John “ Tiger” (Renee), Jim (Candy), Jason and Joe (Mel) Van Brocklin; 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; siblings, Dan “Smokey” (Sue), Rod (Kay) and Bob (Kathy) Van Brocklin and Sandy (John) Beggs and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Gal and Sherry and a brother, Terry “Doc” Van Brocklin.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 13 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at 4:00 PM by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. John will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
Bonita LaPalme - Hermansville , MI
Our hearts go out to you all. He will be missed. His smile, his laugh, his sense of humor couldn’t be matched. Bonnie and Dale LaPalme.
Stacey Lesperance - Daggett, MI
My friend. It was an honor and the greatest pleasure caring for you. To know you was to love both you, and your family. You will forever hold a very special place in mine and Mackenzie’s heart! I only wish that I would have been able to make my first jump with you. One day I will jump and it will be in honor of you!
There will never be a squad quite like out “Goon Squad!” So much love, Johnny Boy, to you and that great family of yours!! Our most heartfelt condolences!
Suzanne Cole - Gladstone, MI
SOOO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, PRAYERS GOING OUT TO THE FAMILY, HES WAS A LONG TIME FRIEND OF PAUL & I…WE GO WAY BACK, YOUUU WILL BE MISSED CROCKEY…
Robert J Briere - Gladstone, MI
Crocky was a great Ironworker who worked for me on a lot of different projects.
Casey Murphy - Detour, Mi
On behalf of the Murphy family, we would like to offer our deepest sympathy at the passing of Crockey!! He was certainly a great man, full of spunk, and great knowledge. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time!!