Robert Jacob "Bob" Bockelman

Robert Jacob “Bob” Bockelman, age 85, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 7:00 pm on Wednesday February 19, 2025, at Mason Health Center, Warsaw. Born on April 16, 1939, in Fort Wayne, IN, he was the son of Jacob and Geraldine (Heinley) Bockelman.

Bob grew up on the family farm outside of South Whitley. He attended South Whitley High School and graduated with the Class of 1957. Bob’s first job was at a research farm in town, and also when he purchased his first car, a Chevrolet Belair convertible, his pride and joy. On July 2, 1960, Bob married Janice E. Hontz. He proudly served his country in the United States Army in Texas and in Germany.

Bob was a truck driver for International Harvester, Fort Wayne and later in Springfield, OH. During this time, he also was active on the farm with crops and dairy cattle.

Bob was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Columbia City and was an avid fisherman until his health declined.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Bockelman; children Tammy Jo (Rodney) Reynolds and Brenda (Steve) Lemmon; grandchildren Wesley (Jessica McFarren) Lemmon, Dylan Lemmon, and Olivia Reynolds; great-grandchildren Lacey and Sophia Lemmon; sister Jerine Bockelman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Roger F. Bockelman and Richard D. Bockelman.

Funeral services for Bob will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday February 28, 2025, at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with calling two hours prior to service.

Burial will follow in South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City, with Military Honors rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Mason Health & Rehab Center.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.