Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Dr. William Bocks

June 25, 2016
Holland, MI

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Visitation

Wednesday, June 29, 2016
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Mulder Chapel
188 West 32nd Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Service

Thursday, June 30, 2016
11:00 AM EDT
First United Methodist Church
57 West 10th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 396-5205

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Holland City Mission

Life Story / Obituary


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Dr. William Michael Bocks, aged 86 of Holland, passed away at home on Saturday, June 25, 2016 with his loving family by his side. Bill attended Holland Public Schools, graduated from Hope College, received his Masters Degree from Western Michigan University and Doctorate in Education from Michigan State University.

His life was dedicated to education. He was principal of Hamilton High School, Superintendent of Schools in North Muskegon, Menominee and Grand Haven, professor of educational administration at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario and was the Associate Dean in the School of Extended Learning at Central Michigan University. He was a tireless advocate for the disadvantaged, serving on the Board of Directors of Michigan Special Olympics and the Urban League of Muskegon.

He was preceded in death by his son, Samuel and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie Bocks; his children, Elizabeth “Libby” Bocks of Holland, Jessica and Buu Chau Le of Wyoming, MI, and Nathan and Elizabeth Bocks of Holland; his grandchildren, Heather and Chris Hensley of Whitsett, NC, Joshua and Elizabeth Bocks of New Hudson, MI, Justin Bocks and Jessica Anne Bocks of Kingsford, MI, Ashleigh Underwood of Wyoming, MI, Duncan, Spencer, and Megan Bocks of Holland; and six very special great-grandchildren.

Bill taught his family many things, but most importantly, he taught us to care for others and look out for those who do not have anyone to watch over them.

A memorial visitation will be 5-8 pm Wednesday (June 29) at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held 11 am Thursday (June 30), at First United Methodist Church, 57 West 10th Street in Holland, Michigan, with the Rev. J. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holland City Mission.