ESTHER BOCKIN

Esther (Merkley) Bockin, age 77, of New London, passed away after a struggle with cancer on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. She was born on May 2, 1933, on the family farm in Dale, the daughter of the late Edward and Edna (Buckley) Merkley. On April 6, 1952 she married the love of her life, Ralph Bockin, in Fort Mammouth, New Jersey. They celebrated 58 years together. Esther dearly loved her family. Esther faced many adversities in her life through the years, but she always fought the good fight. She has earned her wings. Esther now joins her dad, Ed, her mom, Edna, and brothers-in-law, Harold and Jim, in heaven. Esther was a caring, wonderful wife, mom and grandma who will be remembered with great love by her husband, four children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Esther is survived by her husband Ralph; son, Randy (Jo) Bockin; daughters: Terrie (Willie) Williams, Lynn (Bryan) Gilbertson, and Carmen (Bob) Furman; her grandchildren: Lisa (Kevin) Sturn, and their children, Spencer and Reagan; Mike (Amie) Furman, and their children, Joey, Cody, Carter, and Wynter; Ben Bockin, Jill Bockin, Derek Gilbertson, Andrea Gilbertson, Kyle Gilbertson, Jessica Williams, Dan (Crystal) Williams, and their children, Lexie and Kaylie; Kristin Williams, and Mikayla Williams; and two sisters, Marian Rockteschel and Helen Hauert. The Funeral Service for Esther will be held Monday, June 7, 2010, 11:00 a.m., at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Neenah, with the Rev. Catherine A.K. Mode officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, June 6, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home, and again Monday at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at church. Inurnment will be in Dale Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Esthers honor is being established. Esthers family would like to extend a special thank you to all of her dear friends; she appreciated all of you. Also, thank you to Heartland Hospice, Dr. Duncan, and Mary, for all of their caring help.