Obituary of Michael Boeckman
It is with profound sorrow; we share the passing of Michael Boeckmann. A longtime resident of Katonah NY. Michael was born on August 13, 1937, to Irmgard Sternberg and Werner Bockmann in Wellingsbüttel, Germany. He apprenticed at a shipyard, graduated from Universität Hamburg in 1964 and soon after immigrated to the United States where he worked at IBM until he retired. In December of 1965, he met his wife Barbara at a ski lodge, and they married on July 16, 1966. They went on to have two daughters, Monica and Kendra, and many grandchildren.
Michael was a loving father and grandfather, a steadfast friend, and the connection that kept his international family together. Known for his active lifestyle and his love of sports; Michael was a German National field hockey player, a gifted tennis player and golfer, an avid hiker, skier, and cyclist. Michael loved to travel, frequently returning to Germany, taking his family on European adventures including a three year move to Paris, spending summer vacations on Cape Cod, and going on many hiking, biking, and field hockey trips here and abroad. Michael appreciated good food, beautiful art, and classical music and made sure they were a part of his everyday life.
Michael will be best remembered for his kindness, generosity, loyalty to friends and family, unwavering determination, deep love for traditions, and a gift for listening with attention and appreciation. He loved and believed in a life well lived and worked to accomplish that every day.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Monica and her husband Tom, and their children Boden, Gunnar, Kai, Angus, and Raef, and his daughter Kendra and her husband Brian and their son Jacob. He is predeceased by his brother Jörg, and his grandchildren Toby, Benjamin, and Zoe Rose Friedman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take your grandchildren for a walk, plant a beautiful flower, eat a delicious piece of cake, golf or hike with your buddies, and enjoy a good glass of wine. Donations in his name can be made to the Adirondack Mountain Club.
A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held on August 13, 2025. More information to come.
