Sharon Bockelman, 65, passed away peacefully at her home in Lone Jack, MO on August 3, 2025 after a short battle with cancer.

She was born in Maryville, MO on April 16, 1960 to Keith D. Grinstead and Hazel C. Grinstead (nee  Geyer).  After moving around northern Missouri for the first few years of her life, the family settled in Fleming, MO where she went to school in Orrick, MO. 

After graduation, Sharon attended Central Missouri State University and graduated with a degree in Physical Education.  While attending CMSU, she met her husband, Greg Bockelman.  They were married on April 13, 1985.

After college, Sharon went on to become a secretary while Greg began his career as an airline pilot. 

In 1989, their first son, Michael, was born and their second son, Brian, came along in 1992. 

In the mid 1990’s Sharon accepted the call to become a pastor and in 1999, the family packed up and moved to Dubuque, IA where she attended Wartburg Theological Seminary.  She graduated in 2004 with a Masters in Divinity degree.  She was pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Everest, Kansas and Upper Wolf Lutheran Church in Robinson Kansas from 2004 to 2006. 

In 2017, Greg’s job took him to the US territory of Guam.  Sharon did volunteer work for the Episcopal Churches in Guam and Saipan.  She retired from the ministry shortly after moving back to the states. 

Sharon enjoyed many crafts including sewing and knitting as well as various sporting activities.  She was also a licensed Private Pilot.

Sharon is survived by her husband Greg Bockelman, sons Michael and Brian (Lauren), Grandson Baker, two sisters, Shirley Jarman and Sandy Belcher,

two brothers, Keith Grinstead and Bobby Grinstead, one aunt, Betty Broncucci and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  She is preceded in death by her mother and father, four sisters, Sylvia Poelein, Rose Leach, Sheri Buntenbach, Sarah Grinstead and two brothers, Lonnie Grinstead and Larry Grinstead.

Sharon will be interred in the Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO. 

The family requests that donations be made to One Good Meal in Lee’s Summit, MO in lieu of flowers.