Gaylord “Jerry” Goclan, (The Boper), passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He was a loving husband to Tina for 45 years, and a fun and caring father to Bianca Murphy and Nick Goclan and a Grandpa to many. A family man for sure but his love for his country was also unequaled. He proudly served his country in Vietnam with honor.
He was an enthusiastic man that, other than his family, had two passions that made him who he became.
Jerry loved to work on and drive cars, especially older cars that he worked on and raced, and sold periodically. His baby, to those that knew him, was the “Boper 39”, a 1939 Chevy that is faster and prettier than any other vehicle that this author has witnessed. The color of the car resembles Pink, but Jerry always said “it is not pink, it is Desert Rose!!” He loved to show off this car to his friends, especially his Masonic friends, which leads me to his second passion.
Jerry became a Master Mason over 35 years ago and quickly joined the Scottish Rite and Medinah Shriners, becoming a life member and earning the Roundy Jewel along the way. His record will reflect that he served as Worshipful Master of Lombard Lodge #1098 several times. (He often helped other lodges with their degree work because of his ritualistic abilities.) Jerry served as President of the Medinah Car Club several times. He was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters—Court 48 and thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and lifelong friends that he made throughout life.
He liked to live life on the edge, still pushing the pedal to the metal with his beloved Boper 39 until the very end at 77 years old when Jerry drove his last quarter mile finishing his race on this earth to join our Supreme Architect of the Universe. I am sure that he has already challenged our Beloved Lord to a race with his Desert Rose Boper 39.
Our brother Jerry will be remembered for his quick smile and his unending desire of helping his friends with kind words and always with a good and generous heart.
Memorial Services will be private. If you desire to show how much Jerry meant to you, you can donate to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago as a remembrance to a man that will not be forgotten, a man that lived life to the fullest, a man that cherished his family and friends, a man that served his country, and well, a friend.
Farewell Brother, until we meet again. Your duties on earth have ceased, but you will always remain in our hearts.
The Goclan Family
Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Info 630-852-8000 or www.westsuburbanfh.com