Ralph Owen Bockelman

Ralph Owen Bockelman

July 10, 1932 - September 25, 2016



Ralph O. Bockelman, 84, of Whittier, CA passed away at 11:15 am Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Concordia Guest Homes, Fullerton, CA.



He was born in Hampton, IA on July 10, 1932. His parents were Adolph E. Bockelmann and Hazel Brandt Bockelmann. While growing up on the farm, one of his favorite things to do was to camp and fish at Beeds Lake.



Ralph was a graduate of Hampton High School and enjoyed singing in the choir and

being Captain of the Football Team. After graduation, Ralph joined the US Navy and was aboard the USS Bellatrix, AKA3 during the Korean War. He was stationed at Astoria, OR, San Francisco, Long Beach and San Diego, CA.



Ralph and Dora Griffey were married at Faith Lutheran Church in Whittier, CA. They had three children William, Cynthia and Kathleen. While attending Faith church, Ralph was a Sunday School Teacher.



After moving across town, the family became members of Hope Lutheran Church. Ralph got involved by teaching Sunday school and was Youth Director, taking the youth to the mountains, putting on plays for the congregation and having many pancake breakfasts. He also took care of mowing & edging the church's property.



In 2010, Alzheimer's disease began to set in and Ralph was not able to do the many things he liked to do at church. He truly had a servants heart for Christ.



Ralph enjoyed trips to Disneyland, traveling throughout the United States and Canada, singing with the Gentlemen Songsters and later Men of Harmony. He enjoyed his garden, camping and fishing at Buckeye Creek in Bridgeport, CA. and rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park. Ralph taught all his kids and even some of the grandkids to follow these traditions that still carry on today. His family always loved going camping with Nana & Papa.



Ralph worked for Bank of America and Southern California Bank for 30 years. After retiring he decided to open his own gardening business known as Superior Lawn Service. He truly liked working in the out-of-doors, retiring after 24 years.



Ralph cherished his family, making sure that he was always there for them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.



Surviving are his wife, Dora Griffey Bockelman, married 62 years, children, Will (Adele) Bockelman of Maple Valley, WA. and Cynde (John) McLaren of Brea, CA. Grandchildren are Bryan, Kevin, Michelle, Nathaniel, Jennifer, and John William. Great grandchildren are Ethan, Kirra, Eva, Logan and Charlotte. He also had many nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Adolph & Hazel Bockelman, brothers Don and Ken Bockelman, twin sister, Ruth Crawford and daughter Kathleen Luzzi.



He was buried at the Riverside National Cemetery with honors on Oct. 5, 2016, officiating was Pastor Dan. A memorial service is being held at Christ Lutheran Church, Brea CA on Oct. 15, 2016 at 11:00 am.



In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Organization online at alz.org in memory of Ralph.