Le Anne "Le" Vocke

Le Anne "Le" Vocke, age 84, of Battle Creek passed away on Tuesday morning, May 8, 2018. Le Anne was born in Newport, KY on June 9, 1933, the loving daughter of Helen Dorothy (Breeden) and James Calvin Curd. She worked with her parents in their delicatessen until she graduated from Holmes High School. She went on to attend Beauty School and work as an Administrative Assistant at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, before she met the love of her life. Bob and Le were married May 3, 1958 and started their family in LaGrange, IL.

She is survived by her children, Cris (Kriste), Damon (Maria), and Laura, daughter-in-law Carla, her cherished grandchildren (Lauren, Jessica, Sarah, Nicholas, Madeline, Elise, Claire, and Daniel), Sister-in-law Mary Lou (Stan) Dawicke, and nieces and nephew (Kathy, Dave, Barbara, and Mary Ellen). She was preceded in death by her husband Robert J. "Bob" Vocke Sr. and her son, Robert J. "Rob" Vocke Jr. (Carla).


Le dedicated herself to her family and was an ever-present mother, wife, grandmother and dog-mom. She managed a household of 4 rambunctious children while her husband was working and earning his Master's Degree, and later partnered with him as he started his own business. She not only made sure everyone was well-fed (she loved to feed!), she coordinated schedules, rides, meals, and provided abundant love and laughter. She loved to throw a memorable birthday and Christmas - with presents overflowing throughout the house. For her children and grandchildren, she traveled far and wide to attend every sporting event, performance, award ceremony, graduation, and birthday. It brought her great joy to be involved every step of the way - and she spread great joy with her presence. She was everyone's biggest fan and made everyone feel special. She was selfless when it came to family.

Le was a family woman and treasured her time with her family on vacations, parties, playing cards, or sitting on her back porch telling stories and creating laughter over a big meal. She loved her husband passionately and created a tight-knit, loving family (that was also loud and a bit chaotic and always included her dogs). She could also be a bit unpredictable and a little naughty - which kept her family laughing! Le was the original party-girl who loved to travel, enjoy a Broadway play, shop, and eat out! She will be deeply missed, but will live on in all of us.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2018 at Cedar Creek Golf Club, 14000 Renton Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. A private ceremony will be held for the family at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.