Gary R. Bockelman

Gary R. Bockelman

1959 – 2024

BATTLE CREEK - Gary R. Bockelman, 65, of Battle Creek, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his residence of Battle Creek.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024, with a visitation held one hour prior from 10-11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Born on March 28, 1959, Gary was one of three children born to Norman and Donna (Kunkel) Bockelman. He commenced in farming, planting, and caring for crops along with livestock throughout his life – in addition to owning and operating a tire shop and working as a welder. Gary never met a stranger and knew the value of a hard day’s work. 

Gary married Patricia Lansink and the couple were blessed with a daughter, Amber. Many fond memories were made during annual family vacations that will be cherished for years to come. The couple later parted ways, but remained friends. Gary was a wonderful father and always shared his talents with his family. Amber’s son Bailey was his first grandchild and he quickly became his fishing buddy, as they both shared a love for this classic pastime. In 2004, Gary and Betty Treiber became a couple. He welcomed her children and later her grandchildren into the family. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and his heart of gold.

Gary was the unofficial ‘reel’ deal when it came to fishing, often casting his worries away with the flick of a rod. In his workshop, he was a mastermind and was always working on projects and tinkering. He had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, camping, vacationing, watching WWE, and gathering for coffee. His many hobbies brought him joy and relaxation. Gary will be missed by all who knew him and his memory will live on in those who loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Amber (Sam Corbin); grandson Bailey Newman; granddaughters Cassica and Calleigh Corbin; special friend Betty Treiber; brother Dan (Tabitha) Bockelman; brother-in-law Larry Markert, aunt Deloris Nitzsche, cousins, nephews, nieces, and extended family. Bonus family: Becky (Tyler) Rosenau, Blake and Adam DeLong, Kevin (Stacy Opheim) Nepper, Kory and Addi Nepper; many cherished friends and his beloved dog Bernie. 

Those welcoming him into the afterlife upon his death were his parents Norman and Donna Bockelman; sister Deb Markert; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, and pets.

Services: April 11, First Presbyterian Church, Battle Creek

Burial: At a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Battle Creek

Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home • Battle Creek • 712-365-4446