November 9, 1949 – November 8, 2026

Anthony C. Bockerstette, of O’Fallon, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, just one day shy of his 77th birthday, which he shared with his beloved twin sister, Sissy.

We’d like to think Tony got his final wish — to be reunited with the love of his life, his wife, Aurora (affectionately known as Auring), whom we lost in 2020 to covid.  We all know she had a nice plate of her Filipino food waiting for him. 

Born on November 9, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, Tony lived life on his own terms. He had a gift for making people laugh, whether through his endless supply of jokes, his infamous tall tales, or simply his ability to turn an ordinary conversation into a memorable one. Tony certainly knew no strangers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Tony honorably served our country in the United States Navy as a Vietnam veteran. He was also a proud union carpenter, dedicating many years to his trade and hard work. He was a steadfast supporter of our country and the first responders who serve and protect our communities.

Tony leaves behind the children he jokingly insisted were the “mailman’s children”: Michelle Bockerstette-Hoff and her partner Greg Pierce (granddaughters Madison and Camille); Tina Bockerstette-Beardon and her partner, Chris (grandchildren Alexis, Elizabeth, Dustin, Anthony, Eli, and great-grandchildren Damien Casper and Delilah); and Joseph C. Bockerstette (grandchildren Kaitlyn and Ethan) and finally grandchildren Robbie, Baylee (great grandchild Yuuki), Noah and Emma of our late brother Anthony B. of whom we lost in 2023.

He is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Aurora (Auring); his son, Anthony; his parents; and his brothers and sister.

If Tony could leave us with one final message, it would be simple: Go on and live your lives. Be good humans. Look people in the eye, never forget to share your smile, and always show up for the people who matter. And whatever you do, don’t forget his favorite rule of punctuality:

“If you’re on time, YOU’RE LATE!”

He will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, his larger-than-life stories, and the countless lives he touched along the way.