Springfield jeweler dies

C.W. Hocklander, owner of Hocklander Jewelry, died July 14 at the age of 91.

Hocklander, of Springfield, started leasing space at the east end of Elfindale Centre on West Sunshine Street for his jewelry repair shop in 1990, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Along with his wife, Mary, who preceded him in death, he also operated a Merle Normal Cosmetics franchise, according to an obituary found online at Greenlawn Funeral Homes.

Hocklander continued working at the jewelry store until a recent surgery, according to Springfield News-Leader reporting.

Hocklander, who rose to the rank of captain within the U.S. Army while serving during World War II, suffered combat injuries on Nov. 16, 1944, in Germany, which confined him to a wheelchair, according to the obituary.

Hocklander also was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Hocklander. He is survived by his daughter, Carol Thornsberry; his grandson, Doug Thornsberry; his sister-in-law, Iva Hocklander; his niece, Janie McKown; his adopted daughter, Mary Mills, and her husband Dale Mills.

A visitation was held July 17 and funeral services were held this morning at Greenlawn Funeral Home South.[[In-content Ad]]