Colorado Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Tuesday, honoring former state Rep. Rod Bockenfeld.
Bockenfeld, a 69-year-old Republican who served Colorado’s House District 56 for three terms, died at his home in Watkins on Feb. 13, surrounded by family, according to his obituary.
“I am thankful for Rep. Bockenfeld’s commitment to his district and his thoughtful approach to his legislative work,” Polis said in a statement. “… My thoughts are with the Bockenfeld family and I hope they find comfort in their community during this difficult time.”
Bockenfeld moved to Denver from Illinois in 1978 and entered the world of politics nearly three decades later, in 2004, when he was elected to his first of three terms as an Arapahoe County commissioner.
After ending his third term as commissioner in 2016, Bockenfeld was elected Colorado state representative for District 56. He stayed there for another three terms, through 2024, and served on the Joint Budget Committee during his final term.
Bockenfeld is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan; his sons, Paul Strickland, Joseph Bockenfeld and Jacob Bockenfeld; his daughter, Erika Bockenfeld; his brother, Jim Bockenfeld; his sister, Donnette Cannady; and eight grandchildren.
Bockenfeld’s funeral mass was held Monday morning, according to his obituary. Instead of flowers, Bockenfeld’s family is asking for donations in his honor to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
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