Johannes Schokker

Dr. Johannes "Joop" Schokker, 86, Altoona, Pa., passed away peacefully following a brief illness on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Almelo, Netherlands, son of the late Jan and Katharina Jantina (Van Veen) Schokker. He married Linda Bohrer on December 2, 1969. Linda preceded him in death on October 22, 2002. Johannes married Julia Plummer Schokker on August 31, 2007, in Altoona, Pa. Surviving are his wife; three children: Johannes Theodore "JT", Allan, and Andrea Schokker-Graham (Steven), all in Minnesota; two step-sons: Dean Mathis (Lindsey) and Christopher Mathis (Trisha); seven grandchildren: Josh Siebeneck (Michele), Katie Johanna Schokker, Aidan Graham, Natalie, Shane, Samuel, and Evelyn Mathis; two great-grandchildren: Allie and Kenzie Siebeneck; two siblings: Jan Schokker (Margaret) and Katharina Jantina "Teena" Dyke (Graham), both of Perth, Australia. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Linda Schokker, and brothers: Volken, Johannes Willem, and Adrian. Johannes studied geodetic engineering and in 1956, went to Saudi Arabia as a civil engineer for Aramco. In 1960, he switched to the medical field and graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1966. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Missouri and in 1971, he opened a solo practice in surgery in Jefferson City, Mo. He practiced general surgery for over 46 years, including at St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City, Mo. where he was President until 2000. In 2000, he joined Lexington Surgery Group in Altoona, Pa. where he was a general and trauma surgeon at the Level 2 Trauma center of UPMC Altoona (then Altoona Regional Health System). In 2011, he retired from his surgical practice and performed Urgent Care services at multiple facilities in Altoona, Johnstown and State College. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons and was awarded Alumnus Emeritus of the University of Michigan Medical School in 2016. A modern "Renaissance" man, Johannes was a surgeon, engineer and gentleman farmer with a passion for opera, classical music, fly fishing, and wood carving. The title of his book, The Compassionate Surgeon, is an apt description of his lifetime of dedication to his patients and medicine. Friends will be received 4-6 p.m. on Monday, July 23, at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave. Altoona, where a celebration of life will immediately follow at 6 p.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Johannes' memory to: the Blair County Historical Society (in honor of Altoona's Charter Sesquicentennial Anniversary), 3419 Oak Lane, Altoona, PA 16602. www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com