John Gocka

John Charles Gocka, a “chef extraordinaire,” died Dec. 22, 2015, in Sitka, at the age of 61.

A celebration of his life will be held in April, with the date to be announced later.

John was born Jan. 24, 1954, in King County, Wash. He had lived in California and other towns in Alaska before coming to Sitka, where he worked as a chef.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanne; his father, John Gocka; and a brother, Steve.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Gocka) Bartlett; brothers Jim Gocka  and Tom Gocka; and a son, Garrett Wilson.

He will be missed by many.