Visitation: Visitation will be Monday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.
Service: Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Canton United Methodist Church, Canton, SD.
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Craig Van Bockern passed away peacefully July 14, 2022, in Canton, South Dakota at the age of 75.
Craig Earl Van Bockern, son of Earl and Ellen (Carlson) Van Bockern, was born September 19, 1946 in Canton, SD. He graduated from Canton High School in 1964, where he excelled in football, going undefeated his senior year. His was thrilled to be a part of the 1964 alumni class that purchased an electronic scoreboard for the football field. Craig also attended and studied history at General Beadle State College in Madison, SD. He maintained lifelong friendships with classmates, hosting and attending coffee club with them until the time of his passing.
Craig was united in marriage to Linda Ness on June 25, 1966 in Canton, SD where they remained to raise two children, Shane and Jill. Although attending college with the intention of becoming a teacher, Craig and Linda seized the opportunity to be business owners and purchased Van’s Rubbish Removal in 1967 from Craig’s uncle Martin Skaien. They continued to grow the garbage hauling business and became part owners of Macs. Craig was an extremely hard worker, eventually retiring in 2010.
Craig enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping and loved sharing adventures with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a strong, compassionate, funny family man. He had the ability to make them laugh without any effort. He loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports. Off the court, track, or golf course, he could be counted on for advice, support, and love.
Craig was proud of his community and served on the Canton Volunteer Fire Department and Planning and Zoning Commission. Craig was a member and past president of the Canton School Board where he strongly advocated for a new football stadium and track. In his free time, he played on the United Methodist Men’s Softball Team, men’s and couples’ bowling leagues, and Ducks Unlimited.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 56 years Linda, Canton, SD; son Shane Van Bockern and his wife Nikki, Lake Preston, SD; daughter Jill Johnson, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Cole Van Bockern, Kimberly Schriever and her husband Bailey, and Kelsey Johnson; sister Deb Freeman and her husband Scott; brother Trent Van Bockern and his wife Mary; many, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Craig is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Ellen Van Bockern, mother-in-law Dolores (Menholt) Ness Larson, father-in-law Alvin Larson, son-in-law Chad Johnson, grandparents, and other cherished family members.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Canton United Methodist Church, Canton, SD. Visitation will be Monday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. www.andersonandsonsfh.com
Oh no, I am so sorry to read this. My thoughts and Prayers for all of his family in your great loss.
So sorry. He will be missed by many. Again, so sorry.
I AM SO SORRY PRAYEN FOR YOU ALL ME AND RICHARD WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HIM
It is so difficult to lose a life long friend. Craig was one of those special friends. We shared so many good memories with Craig and Linda. He will truly be missed. We pray for Linda during this sad time. May you have some peace knowing Craig is not in pain anymore.
Thoughts and prayers,Crud will be missed.
We lost a real good man here. He’ll be in a great place with full health. Prayers are with your family.
I am so very sorry to hear this. So many memories with this fun-loving guy. My thoughts and prayers for the whole family and special hugs to Linda.
My thoughts & prayers are with you Linda and family. In sympathy. Judy DeVos
Sad to hear of Craig’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Linda, please accept our sympathy. I am an older cousin of Craig’s. My Mom was Ruth Anderson.
I have memories that go back to playing ghost in the graveyard at Grandma Van Bockern’s house.
We celebrated my Mom’s 75th birthday at Mac’s . Craig always took time to visit with us at funerals
and the annual Van Bockern picnic. Craig was easy to like. Bill and Sandy Harris
Linda, please accept our sympathy. Cousin Craig was an easy person to like.
Bill and Sandy Harris
I am very sorry to hear Craig has passed.
My sincere condolences to Linda and family for their loss.
My condolences to you all. Craig was a most wonderful man. Good times visiting with him. May the Peace of the Lord Bless you and Keep you now and always.
Ron and I will be praying Craig’s family through this sorrowful time. We are so sorry for your loss. He was always a joy to visit with and will be missed dearly.
I am so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. Sending prayers of support and strength for Linda and the entire family. May his spirit live in your hearts forever.
I am so so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. It is hard no matter what. Linda, I am thinking of you and the family and praying for all of you.
Linda and family, sorry for your loss. I have great memories of the sports we played and the any times hanging out together.
Linda our thoughts are with you and the kids. Craig will be forever remembered here.
So sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing and talking with him and Linda when I came back to Canton. My thoughts and prayers for you Linda and your family.
So sorry to see this Van Bockern family.
🙏
trent and family. so sorry for your loss. our thoughts and prayers are with you at these trying times.
It was disturbing to hear of my cousin Craig’s untimely death. Although I have lived in Virginia for decades now, I followed Craig’s accomplishments from afar. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Linda, Shane, and Jill, we’re thinking of you at this sad time and wishing you comfort in the days ahead.
Linda & family, My sincere condolences for the loss of Craig. May the good lord guide you thru this difficult time. My thoughts & prayers are with you @ this difficult time.
Gus and I are so sorry to hear about Craig’s passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
God bless ya Craig.
So sorry for your loss, sincere condolences!
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful man!! Prayers!!
Kathy Keiser
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful man!! Prayers!!
I am so sorry to hear about Craig’s passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to Linda and all of the family!!! Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Linda and family. I am so sorry for the loss of Craig. It was so fun to always visit with him. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and your family and this time of sorrow
So sorry to hear of Craig’s passing! Our prayers are with Linda and family. We have not been in touch for several years but Brian and Craig grew up together, played sports and drove back and forth to school in Madison. We are thinking of you! Brian and Judy Thies