Carol L. Bockman of Hermiston went home to be with her Lord on Sept. 24, 2021 in Hermiston at the age of 85. She had been living with daughter Wanda and son-in-law Frank Kontur.
She was born on Nov. 21, 1935 in Dupree, S.D. to John and Thelma Schuchhardt Bieber.
She grew up near Red Elm, S.D. She graduated from Dupree High School and later married Harold Bockman on March 24, 1956. The newlyweds settled on the ranch where Harold grew up northeast of Faith, S.D. They welcomed three children, Wanda, Jeanne and John. Life was full raising a family, ranching, gardening and church activities. Carol had been very involved in Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and Ladies Aid. As each of their children reached high school age, it was a strong value of Harold and Carol’s that they send them to Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, S.D. for a Christian education. Throughout all the years their children attended NLA, Harold and Carol “adopted” many more young people into their family. Multiple generations of family and friends treasure special memories of time spent on their ranch.
They moved to Mobridge, S.D. in 2000, where Carol remained very active in church activities and volunteering until she moved to Washington state in 2019 due to failing health. Carol’s greatest passion was to live a meaningful life serving others out of the love for her Lord. Even as poor health and COVID greatly restricted her ability to be with people, she continued to submit monthly Bible verses or other inspirational readings to the Mobridge Tribune newspaper. She always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Mom, you ARE leaving a lasting legacy!
Carol is survived by her loving daughters, Wanda (Frank) Kontur and Jeanne (Mark) Sulzle; daughter-in-law, Marla (Steve) Rohlck; brother, Ron (Marie)
Bieber; sister-in-law, Phyllis Percy; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandsons.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; son, John; still-born daughter, Lisa; parents, John and Thelma Bieber; sisters, Alvina (Alvin) Bockman, Betty Zeller and Joyce Michaels; and brothers, Jack (Edna) Bieber and Lyle Bieber.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Southridge Church in Kennewick, Wash., and a second service on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Mobridge, S.D.
Interment will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S.D.
Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Great Plains Lutheran High School in Aberdeen, S.D.
Please share memories of Carol with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
