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Larry Dean Bockelman
April 7, 1937 ~ January 4, 2019 (age 81) 81 Years Old
2 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Larry's family - View on Tribute Wall
At age 81, Larry Dean Bockelman's struggle with cancer ended and he left his Meridian, Idaho home to be with his Savior.
Born April 7, 1937, in Napoleon, Ohio, he was the fourth child of the late Louis C & Bessie (Laubenthal) Bockelman. Larry graduated from Napoleon High School and Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. He then served his country for twenty-one years with the United States Air Force and retired to Idaho with the rank of Major. Following his flying career, he spent many years providing tax, real estate, and financial services to others.
Larry married Nan Elizabeth Spreng of Perrysburg, Ohio in 1965, and together, they raised a son, Bret Edward and a daughter, Amy Lynn.
Larry was a generous and thoughtful man, often thinking of ways to enrich others' lives-many times anonymously. He had a quick sense of humor and was always ready with a dad joke or two. He loved talking and sharing fun times with family and friends. He was always ready to get to know new acquaintances.
Although living a quiet retirement, Larry enjoyed Friday breakfast with the guys, family gatherings, Air Force reunions, a couple of cruises, feeding the wild birds, watching football, and checking out new eateries.
He was extremely active in his church community, wherever he was, and served in various positions over the years. He especially loved singing in the choir.
His faith was well rooted, and he looked forward to the promise of Heaven.
Remaining to cherish many memories are Nan Bockelman, his wife of 53 years, of Meridian, son Bret Bockelman, also of Meridian, and daughter Amy Bockelman, of Seattle, Washington. Also surviving are Brothers Paul L (Ruth) Bockelman and Harold L (Barbara) Bockelman, both of Florida, Brother-in-Law Donald Dorner of Ohio, Sisters-in-Law Jane Kinyoun of New York and Linda Spreng of Ohio, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His parents and sister, Shirley Dorner, preceded him to Heaven.
The family thanks all the medical personnel tending to Larry over the years: Dr. Sam Gibson, Laurel and the entire Radiology Intervention team at St. Alphonsus, St. Alphonsus Palliative Care Group, and, lastly, Harrison's Hope Hospice. Each of you contributed to a smooth journey.
Celebration of Larry’s life will take place at Friendship Celebration Lutheran Church, 765 E. Chinden Blvd., Meridian on January 19, 2019 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Boise Rescue Mission, Meridian Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.
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