Darrel Bockelman

Darrel Elmer Bockelman, 76, of rural Napoleon, Ohio died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 25, 2023. He was born on March 3, 1946, to the late Elmer and Olga (Sonnenberg) Bockelman. Darrel was a 1964 graduate of Ridgeville Corners High School, and was drafted into the US Army in December 1965, served one year in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1967. Upon his return from service, Darrel joined the family business and established Bockelman Farms raising grain, vegetables, dairy cows, and beef cattle. On November 29, 1969, he married Barbara Ludeman at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wauseon, Ohio. Darrel loved all things farming, and in his later years, “road farming” from his pickup truck. Always passionate about helping his community and neighbors, he served as Commander of the Ridgeville Corners American Legion Post 454 for two terms; was a Freedom Twp. Trustee for 20 years and held various leadership roles for the congregation of St. John Lutheran Church. Known for his infectious laugh and smile, the legacy of Darrel’s jokes and antics will live on for many years to come. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barb; son, Brad (Lisa) Bockelman; daughters Michelle Bockelman and Brooke (Derek) Lowery; grandchildren, Alexa and Caleb Bockelman; and sisters, LaDonna Witte and Beverly (Tim) Saneholtz, and a brother Dennis (Rhonda) Bockelman. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Kay Ann Hallock, and a brother-in-law, Robert Witte. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at St. John Freedom Twp. Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio. Interment will follow at the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Ridgeville American Legion. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Filling Home of Mercy, St. John Lutheran Church Home Fund, or Elara Caring Hospice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com Lastly, just like Darrel did every time they left his room, his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the caregivers, particularly the staff at Henry County Hospital and all the employees of Elara Caring Hospice.

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Darrel Bockelman

March 3, 1946 - February 25, 2023