David was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He served 5 years in the US Army, 20 years in the Army Reserve, and he especially enjoyed the foreign tours. David attended Stanford University and University of Minnesota Medical School. He was a board certified Anesthesiologist. He enjoyed jogging, hang gliding, travel, photography, wine making, sharing his love of gardening, reading, spending time with his grandchildren, playing games, and telling jokes.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jacob Van Bockel, and his mother and father-in-law Loretta and Tony Buchmeier. David is survived by his wife of 42 years Becky VanBockel, their children Jane (Brian) Kuhn, Kristin (Geoff) Homan, his mother Esther Van Bockel, sister Shawn Van Bockel, and grandchildren Keller, Marissa, Carter, and Danielle.
A private memorial prayer service to celebrate David’s life was conducted in the chapel of Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Stroke Association.