Frank William Van Bockern

Frank William Van Bockern went home to be with God on April 20, 2025. Frank was born in 1938 in Meadville, PA to parents H.D.L (Van) and Phyllis Irons Van Bockern. 

In his youth, Frank worked on the family farm while he maintained high academic standards, received musical accolades, and became an Eagle scout. Frank graduated from Linesville-Conneaut-Summit High School in 1956. 

He was in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1957-1965, and graduated from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, with a degree in political science. While in college Frank was introduced to his wife of 60 years, Edith VanIwarden. Frank and Edie were married on August 12, 1960 and eventually made their way back to Pennsylvania to live on the family farm before establishing a home in Erie, Pennsylvania and then Edinboro, PA. 

Frank began his career in insurance with Erie Insurance Exchange in Erie, PA where he made lifelong friendships with some of his colleagues. Frank and Edie moved back to Lakewood, CO in 1994, to be present for the birth of their first granddaughters in 1997. 

Known for his love of the outdoors, Frank enjoyed fishing, and he often took his daughters with him. Frank is survived by his four daughters: Vivian VanBockern, Rhonda VanBockern Abbey, Sherilyn VanBockern, and Amy VanBockern. Frank was a proud grandpa of ten grandchildren: Rebecca Abbey, Alaina Abbey, Austin Turner, Kala Turner, Lucy Turner, Eric McCallum, Cameron McCallum, Julia Good, Christopher Turner, and Erin Good. Frank is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Weliver, brother-in-law Del Weliver and beloved nieces and nephews. 

Details of Frank’s celebration of life will be forthcoming.