Velma A. Bockerman

Hastings resident, Velma A. Bockerman, 95, passed away Monday, December 27, 2010 at the Saint Francis Medical Center, Grand Island, NE. Services will be Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2 PM at the Grace United Methodist Church in Hastings, NE with the Rev. Joe Bockerman officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings; NE. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 6 PM to 9 PM with the family present at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home, Hastings, NE. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Grace United Methodist Church or Cross Roads both in Hastings, NE. Velma was born September 27, 1915 to Harry and Mary (Miller) Watkins in Callaway, NE. She grew up on a farm southwest of Callaway. After high school, she taught in a 2-room school house for several years. She obtained her teaching certificate at Kearney State College. In 1946, she married William Ned Bockerman and they lived on several different farms before moving to Hastings. They moved a 2-room school house into town from Hayland and together remodeled it into the family home. This union brought four children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grand children to the family. She worked as a substitute teacher for several years and then became the first math teacher when Central Community College opened. She taught business math for 20 years. As an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church, she participated in Sunday school, Womens Circle, and Wednesday Childrens Club. She was also a 4-H and Cub Scout leader and enjoyed membership in a flower club. She lived at Good Samaritan Assisted Living in Grand Island for six months. She is survived by her four children, Ron and wife Liz of Springfield, NE , Rick and wife Alice of Lincoln, Kay and husband Karol Evans of Hastings, and Linda and husband Mike Kube of Grand Island; grandchildren Will, Jason, Chris, Adam, Grant; and great-grandchildren Dakota, Jalin, Gavin, Haley, Adriana, Kayla, Erik Jr., and Cameron; sister Doris and husband Jim Crowder of Vancouver, WA; several brother and sister-in-laws, and nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by husband William (Bill) and grandson Erik Koertner.