John Edward Bockenstedt of Strawberry Point
John Edward Bockenstedt, 77, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at MercyOne Medical Center in Elkader. John was born on June 17, 1949, and was the second child born to Edward Francois Bockenstedt and Mary Ann (Klostermann) Bockenstedt, who started their family on a farm near Colesburg, Iowa.
John was educated in the Colesburg School District until his parents moved to Masonville. John quit school when he was 15 years old. He helped his dad on their farm and worked for a farmer in Masonville. In 1966, he went to work for Seedorff Masonry in Strawberry Point and Local 234.
John enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s Seabee division January 10, 1969. He was stationed in Rhode Island and sent to build critical infrastructure in Cuba and Puerto Rico during the Vietnam War. On October 9, 1970, he was honorably discharged.
John returned to work at Seedorff Masonry where he spent 40 years as an equipment operator.
He made the biggest mistake of his life by marrying CRAZY JANE on August 3, 1985. This big mistake was corrected by getting divorced from CRAZY JANE on May 2, 2011. He lived happily ever after with the company of good friends and family.
John owned a lawn care business and mowed for the city for several years. For 20 years, John filled anhydrous tanks for SilverEdge Co-Op.
John’s pride and joy are his Mopar cars, and tractors. Those who are fortunate enough to tour his extensive collections are impressed by the quantity and quality of the pieces. He took excellent care of his beautiful family home. John purchased a 2007 Harley Davison motorcycle and enjoyed several trips to Sturgis, South Dakota, with friends. John was very proud of his service in the military and was honored with the presentation of a Quilt of Valor in 2025. Friends and family gathered to express their love and appreciation.
Left behind are his “cherished kids”, a1973 Challenger Rallye he bought new over 50 years ago and a 1970 Challenger Convertible. A beautiful blue 1970 Dodge Challenger RT Convertible with a Shaker hood was added to the family in July 2026.
Mourning his loss are his siblings, David (Lois) Bockenstedt, Alan (Chris) Bockenstedt both from Strawberry Point, Glen (Carla) Bockenstedt, Marion, Mary (Mike) Thissen, Davenport, Donna (Jeff) Thissen, Waterloo, Delaine (Alan) Knickerbocker, Toddville, James Bockenstedt, Sun City, Arizonia, Lori Engelken, Manchester, Linda (Jeff) MacTaggart, Omaha, Nebraska, Randy (Roxanne) Bockenstedt, Flower Mound, Texas; and honorary brother, Gary Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews and greats…..
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Dean Engleken; and two great-nephews, Parker Donaldson and Christopher Bockenstedt.
Correspondence to the family may be sent to Alan Bockenstedt, 303 W Mission St, Strawberry Point, IA 52076.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com
A private family service will be held.
A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Leonard-Muller Funeral Home of Strawberry Point is assisting the family.
