Francis “Frank” Bockman, 81 of Aledo, died June 6, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 11, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo. Burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, with a rosary recited at 4:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church or the Mercer County Senior Center.
Francis Edward was born on December 10, 1942, in Pontiac, Illinois, to Albert and Catherine (Shephard) Bockman. He served his country in the United States Navy during Vietnam. Frank married the love of his life, Thomasine Cannell, on December 28, 1974, in Rockford, Illinois.
Frank was a man of integrity who lived his life teaching others not only in the classroom, but also life lessons. He cherished his time with his children. He could tell a good story, had a beautiful singing voice, loved his dogs, and would tell the best “Dad jokes” to anyone who would listen.
Frank is survived by his wife, Tommie; son, Edward Bockman of Galesburg; daughter, Catherine Bockman (Joseph Stanbary) of Edgewater, Florida; and a half brother, Thomas Ryerson (Deb) of Isabella, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Pauline Bockman; step-father, Gerald Ryerson; and a step-brother, Gene Tucker.