Daniel “Dan” Joe Kocian, age 88, of Victoria, Texas, peacefully passed away with family at his side on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Dan was born on July 9, 1936, in Shiner, Texas to Willie and Agnes Kocian.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jane Kocian of Victoria TX, his five children, Marie Eggert (Will) of Yoakum TX, Margaret Ross (Darren) of Georgetown TX, Lawrence Kocian (Melinda) of Victoria TX, Janet Yee (Bing) of Round Rock TX, and Cynthia Ornelas (Robert) of Cedar Park TX. Daniel is also survived by his sister Martha Novak of Ganado TX, and Barbara Allen, his only niece, also of Ganado TX.

He is blessed by five surviving grandchildren, Jared Daniel Kocian and Aaron Joseph Kocian of Victoria TX, Christina Danielle Yee of Round Rock TX, and Grace Elizabeth Ornelas and Adam Robert Ornelas of Cedar Park, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Agnes Kocian, and an adopted brother, Ignac Kunetka, of Ganado TX.

Dan served in the U. S. Army from 1958 to 1960. He married Mary Jane Kovar on November 19, 1960, and together raised five children in Victoria TX.

Dan worked as a boat motor mechanic for 42 years at Bernie’s Boats and Motors in Victoria. His career and life passion was boating and fishing. If there was an outboard motor needing repair in Victoria or surrounding counties, chances were very high that Dan worked on it to get the boat back into the bay. He also had a love of vegetable gardening and grafting pecan and fruit trees. He had a “get it done right” work ethic and never did anything half-way. He was a dedicated provider for his family through hard work and personal sacrifices. He always gave more than he took and if anyone needed boat or car motor repairs, he was there to help. Although he will be greatly missed, his family and friends are forever blessed that God placed him in their lives.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ganado Funeral Home. Services will be held in Ganado TX at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church on October 4, 2024, beginning with visitation and rosary at 1:30 pm, and a Mass service beginning at 2:00 pm. Immediately following graveside service at the Assumption Catholic Cemetery, please join the family at the Assumption Parish Hall for a dinner reception.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of South Texas or the Alzheimer’s Association.