RALPH BOCKIN

Ralph W. Bockin, age 88 of New London, passed away late Friday, March 29, 2019. He was born August 16, 1930 to the late Walter and Lylas Bockin.   He grew up in the Dale area and graduated from New London High School in 1948.  On April 6, 1952 Ralph married his soulmate Esther Merkley, in Ft. Mammouth, New Jersey.

Ralph was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and was stationed at the White Sands Missile Base in Las Cruces, New Mexico. In May of 2015, he was very proud to have gotten a chance to partake in the Old Glory Honor Flight #29 with his son Randy.  Ralph worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years, delivering mail in Neenah, and has been a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church for many years. He was an avid fan of the Packers and the Brewers and enjoyed listening and dancing to music, especially polkas. He was also a proud and devoted volunteer at the Hortonville Community Food Pantry, where he made numerous friends.  In his earlier years, Ralph loved camping with family and friends, and upon retirement, he and Esther spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona, and Zephyrhills, Florida, where he played softball in the Old Timers League, and enjoyed wood carving.

Ralph is survived by his son, Randy (Jo) Bockin; daughters: Terrie (Willie) Williams; Lynn (Bryan) Gilbertson; and Carmen (Bob) Furman; his grandchildren: Lisa (Kevin) Sturn and their children, Spencer and Reagan; Mike (Amie) Furman and their children: Joseph, Cody, Carter, and Wynter; Ben (Lauren) Bockin and their children, Brooks, Beau, and Bronson; Jill (Eric) Steif and their child, Charli; Derek (Candi Longsine) Gilbertson; Andrea Gilbertson; Kyle (Amber) Gilbertson and their baby due in June; Jessica Williams; Dan Williams and his children Lexie and Kaylie; Kristin (Tyler) Bushmaker and their child Bennett; and Mikayla (Tyler Nolan) Williams. He is further survived by his nephew, Jack (Kim) Francar and his best friend, Bob Peotter, and by his sister-in-law, Helen Hauert. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; and by his sister, Helen Blink.

A Memorial Service for Ralph will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 S. Commercial St., Neenah, with Rev, Dennis Ellisen officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Military Honors will follow. Ralph will join Esther in Dale Union Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Ralph's honor will be established.

Ralph's family would like to extend a warm thank you to ThedaCare at Home Hospice, especially Beth, for the compassion and care shown to him in his last days. Thank you also to Pastor Dennis and Ruthie from Our Savior's for their support and comfort.