On Wednesday, January 7th, long-time coach Bill Bockwitz entered the presence of the Lord at age 87. For decades, Bockwitz shaped generations of student-athletes and scholars at Spring Arbor University and beyond. He coached cross country, track, basketball, and golf, where he guided teams to multiple NCCAA championships.
 
Beyond the playing field, Bockwitz taught Exercise Sport Science and Core classes while at SAU. He also served in the Development office, helping advance the University's mission through fundraising.
 
Coach Bockwitz trained young men and women in discipline and resilience, always pointing them to Christ. His legacy endures in the countless lives he touched—students who learned under his guidance to pursue excellence in all things for God's glory.
 
Larry DeSimplare '91, a former player of Bockwitz, commented, "Everything Coach Bockwitz did was an example of his faithfulness. His commitment to the truth, his unrelenting passion for growth - on the court, in the classroom, and with Jesus - and the Godly manner in which he loved his wife and family, are the bedrock foundations of how he wanted us to live. He didn't just ask us to do it, he showed us; he expected it of us."
 
"It's so tough to say goodbye to Coach Bockwitz as he has been my coach, my mentor, and my friend," said Rob Miller '86, another former player. "Everyone mentions how he could be tough on you but always showing you the way. For me it was as a player, as a coach, as a husband and father, and showing me how to do those things, but doing it with God first and foremost as the focus."
 
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.
 
To read his full obituary, click here.


 

Remembering Coach Bockwitz

"Coach Bock was an incredible human being who had a profound impact on my life. Although I didn't play for coach on the hardwood he coached me in life! He encouraged me, challenged me, believed in me, and loved me. I will never forget coach and Karen attending my dad's funeral almost 20 years ago. That meant so much to me!"
- Ryan Cottingham '94

 

"So tough to say goodbye to Coach Bockwitz as he has been my coach, my mentor and my friend. We are sad when we talk but laughing with the memories. For me it was as a player, as a coach, as a husband and father and showing me how to be those things, but to do it with God first and foremost as the focus. Recently, I saw a sign that said, 'Honor the Past, Maximize the Present and Impact the Future.' Coach did that with each of us, he got us the most out of us, showed us how we could live our lives and never forgot us. So thankful God put Bock in my life."
- Rob Miller '85

 

Coach Bockwitz was a true 'difference-maker.' He positively impacted countless lives as a teacher and coach. He was a true transformational coach to me. He was firm but also fair, demanding but also caring. He challenged me but also supported me. He was my coach who became my friend. His life was his sermon. He loved teaching and coaching but he loved his Lord, his family and those he mentored even more. I am very thankful our lives intersected. I thought of him and his wife Karen as family. It was all about relationships with coach, and his legacy and impact on all who knew him are immeasurable. I am a better coach and a better man for having known him.
- Dean Lockwood '82

 

"Coach Bock coached me for three years in basketball and the values he taught me then have been coaching me ever since."
- Dave Ziegler '78

 

"Coach was someone who poured his heart and passion into the game of basketball and into his players. He pushed us to be better not just as athletes, but as people serving in God's world. He had a special ability to inspire during a tough practice, celebrate the wins and teach valuable lessons through every challenge. He was more than a mentor on the court, he was someone who shaped the direction of my life."
- Tom Kragt '79

 

"Everything Coach Bockwitz did was an example of his Faithfulness. His commitment to the truth, his unrelenting passion for growth - on the court, in the classroom and with Jesus - and the Godly manner in which he loved his wife and family are the bedrock foundations of how he wanted us to live. He didn't just ask us to do it, he showed us. He expected it of us. Coach Bockwitz's impact is generational. His players, their children and grandchildren, and those to still come will still be impacted by the role Coach Bock played in our lives. I am forever grateful to the Bockwitz family for bringing me here, connecting me with some of the best teammates anyone could ask for and for strengthening the most important relationship anyone could have....one with Jesus.

I can see Coach with T-bone and Garducci in heaven right now.  We will miss you on this side of heaven, but look forward to eternity with you.  Tell those two teammates I am sorry for turning it over so often, coach!   Love you always."
- Larry DeSimpelare '91

 

"I was blessed to have had the opportunity to play for Coach Bockwitz for my junior and senior years at Spring Arbor. Coach welcomed me and took me under his wing as I was trying to find my way after attending two different colleges. That was one of the best decisions I've made in my life, coming to Spring Arbor and playing for Coach Bockwitz. He taught me the balance of how to compete and fight, and still represent the Lord. I will forever be indebted to his example and the love he has shown to my wife and me over the last 42 years. We will surely miss him."
- Joel Leipprandt '83