William R. "Bill" Bockwitz of Spring Arbor, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on November 17, 1938, in San Jose, Illinois, to John and Evelyn Bockwitz. Bill earned his undergraduate degree from Greenville University and master's degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Michigan State University. He devoted his life to coaching and education, with a career that took him to Beecher City, Illinois; Roberts Wesleyan University in New York; Spring Arbor University; George Williams College in Illinois; and ultimately back to Spring Arbor University, where he left a lasting legacy.
Over many years, Coach Bockwitz led cross country, track, basketball, and golf teams to numerous championships and earned multiple coaching honors. He also served as a professor at Spring Arbor University, teaching Exercise Sport Science as well as Core 100 and 400 courses, and mentoring students in their academic, personal, and spiritual growth. Additionally, he contributed to the University's Development Office, supporting fundraising efforts to advance its mission.
While his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, Bill remained committed to excellence, sportsmanship, and coaching. He helped students train both mind and body to be disciplined and resilient under intense pressure, guiding generations of Christ-like men and women who used their faith to achieve their goals on and off the court.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who nurtured his family with unparalleled love. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen (Boileau) Bockwitz; his children, Michael and Janis; and his grandchildren, George and Graham. A man of deep faith, he was a committed and active member of the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, now The Arbor Church.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at The Arbor Church in Spring Arbor on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m., with a luncheon and time of sharing immediately afterward. Interment at Spring Arbor Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Spring Arbor University Basketball Scholarship Fund.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Spring Arbor University Basketball Scholarship Fund – 106 East Main Street, Spring Arbor, Michigan 49283.
Please express condolences to family and friends at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jackson Citizen Patriot from Jan. 8 to Jan. 11, 2026.

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Todd Marston

January 11, 2026

R.I.P. COACH! A life Well Lived! I'll miss seeing & talking to you at Arbor Hills! Fond memories of the many rounds of golf we played together!
Condolences to Family & Spring Arbor!

Larrykelly

January 11, 2026

Between Hank and Bill Bockwitz two professors who became my inspiration at SAC in the early mid 1960´s. Took classes from both and encouraged me took get into teaching and coaching. Both like to have fun and joke around while teaching which was relaxing and new to me. I will never forget Bill and his easy going personality and his great smile!

Lynn & Charleen Johnson

January 10, 2026

Bill recruited me to play basketball at Spring Arbor. I always respected Bill as a person and as a coach. He was a very nice man and a good friend. We will meet again in heaven. Respectfully, Lynn & Charleen Johnson

Curtis White

January 9, 2026

My Coach; a great coach and a greater man! Thank you for allowing me to have a chapter in your great story. Love you Coach

Ted Comden

January 9, 2026

My classmate, a great coach, a solid academic colleague, my brother in Christ and one who will be very much missed.

Jesse Moore

January 9, 2026

I had heard of Bill in alumni news from Greenville College, from which he & I were both graduates and Illinois natives. When my wife & I moved to Spring Arbor and began attending what was then The Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, I was privileged to meet and become friends with Bill and his wife Karen. We had several common interests: GC graduates, U of I sports, same S.S. Class & farm ownership. Quite a few years ago when U of I basketball was having a great season, we would share our loyalty and hopes for the team. Occasionally I would ask him about his farm. My prayers are with you, Karen & family at this time of loss. May God be your comfort & strength

Richard and Louise Hayes

January 9, 2026

Met Bill at the best place to meet good people, Church. We shared a pew with Bill and Karen for many years in Florida. To meet Bill was to love Bill. The fact that he grew up in San Jose was even better. Every thing about him was great. Really missed him when he stopped coming down to Florida. How amazing God is . I thought about Bill several times this morning. Absolutely a beautiful man.
Karen, I am so sorry for you loss.
I know God will give you the strength to carry on.

Tom Britsch

January 8, 2026

Bill made an impactful influence on my life. A man of faith and integrity he offered great encouragement to an outsider with a coaching opportunity at SAU. Tremendous respect for a man who went out of his way to make me feel accepted. Will miss the opportunities we had to talk

Gordon & Kathy Swihart

January 8, 2026

Karen, we were so saddened to hear of Bill´s passing. May all your wonderful memories bring you some peace at this time. He was a one in a million Golf coach! Sorry we will miss his celebration of life as we are in Florida but I´m sure so many people will have wonderful memories. We sure do. May God wrap his arms around you and your family as Bill enters his eternal home. Praying for all of you. Kathy & Gordon

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