Raymond Kocer

Raymond John Kocer, age 83, passed away on January 9, 2026, at the Long Term Care facility in Winner, South Dakota.

Raymond was born on January 11, 1942, in Gordon, Nebraska, to John and Sylvia (Hladky) Kocer. He grew up near Elm Creek in southern Bennett County with his parents and his older brother, Lawerance Kocer. Raymond attended La Creek Elementary School through the sixth grade, then spent one year at Assumption Academy, a Catholic school in Chadron, Nebraska. He later returned to Bennett County, graduating from high school in 1960.

Following high school, Raymond attended Black Hills State University for one year on a football scholarship before returning home to work on the family ranch.

In 1977, Raymond married Sandra Becker. They were among the first couples married in the new church by Bishop Dimmerling. The following year, they welcomed twin daughters, Melissa Kay and Melanie Ann. Five years later, their son, James John, was born.

Raymond was instrumental in the construction of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. His deep faith laid the foundation for a lifetime of service, gratitude, and commitment to his community. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, served as a County Commissioner, and was actively involved in the Conservation District for 50 years.

Raymond will be remembered for his sense of humor and his willingness to go out of his way to help others. He loved his extended family and instilled a strong work ethic in his children, as well as in many nieces and nephews, through years of working alongside them on the ranch. Raymond remained on the ranch until April 2012.

He is survived by his three children: Melissa (Kocer) Byrne and her husband, Trent Byrne; Melanie (Kocer) Radant and her husband, Ryan Radant; and James Kocer. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Tyler Byrne (Sage Gabriel), Jade Byrne, Kaylee Byrne, Addison Byrne, Shauna Radant, and Logan Radant, along with many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sylvia Kocer, and his brother, Lawerance Kocer.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Martin, South Dakota. A rosary and vigil service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Knights of Columbus through Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church.