Obituary
John Ralph Jochim, 86, lifelong Flasher area farmer and rancher passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the Elm Crest Nursing Home in New Salem, ND.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 15 at 10:00 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Flasher with Fr. Biju Antony officiating. Private family burial will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 14 from 4-7 PM with a Parish Rosary and Vigil beginning at 7:00 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass on Monday.
John was born on October 29, 1935, the only son of seven children, to John F. and Magdalen (Brown) Jochim in Flasher, ND. He was born and raised on the family homestead east of Flasher where he farmed and ranched with his parents. John graduated from Flasher Public High School in 1955. He eventually took the reins in 1971 as the sole owner and operator of Bow & Arrow Ranch. He was privileged to live, farm, and ranch his entire life on the land where he was born and raised. It brought him great joy to see his boys become the 3rd generation and witness the start of the 4th generation, in the operation of the ranch.
John was united in marriage to Kathleen (Lamb) on December 27, 1965, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo, ND. They made their home on the family farmstead where they raised their children, John, Michael, Kathleen, Mark, and Ronald. They were blessed with 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. John enjoyed all of God’s blessing in the great outdoors and shared his love for the outdoors with his family. John made many hunting trips to the Bob Marshall wilderness in Montana along with his trusted horse, Shorty. He also enjoyed raising a variety of upland game birds. He had a unique collection of upland game bird species from across North America. In 1980 he achieved a life-long goal of obtaining his private pilot’s license and flying his Cessna 150 which he used it to watch over his “girls,” the cows, and enjoy God’s amazing beauty from above. John had a love for reading, especially Native American culture, and history, and could often be found reading in his favorite recliner. He had a special place in his heart for his family, International Harvester equipment, and Winchester firearms.
John served on various boards for the community of Flasher. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic church. John retired from farming in 2012 due to failing health.
John was a quiet reserved person with a deep faith in his God.
John leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Kathleen; children, John M. (Kelsey), their children Tavin and Angelina; Michael (Jolene), their children Katie, Raymond and Jeremiah; Kathleen (Harlan) Berg, their children Joseph (Karissa) their children Karleigh and Karson; Jacob (Rachel); Jessica (Cody) Braunberger, their children, Logan, Abigail and Lucas; Jared; Mark (Stephanie) children Joshua (Ashley), John A., Sara, Grace, Isaac, Sophia; Ronald (Keri) children Matthew and Molly and many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Margaret Erhardt and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Maurie and Coni Lamb
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Frank Erhardt, sisters and brothers-in-laws, Odel and Emil Polensky, Netty and Tony Barth, Alouise and Tony Michlitsch, Angie and Alex Schafer, Joanie and Bart Ludwig and Jackie and Robert Slavick.
In lieu of flowers, John’s family request that memorial contributions be made to the Elm Crest Nursing Home in New Salem, ND.
Fly with the Angels Dad!
