New Haven teacher dies

By Linh Tat

UNION CITY — A teacher for the New Haven Unified School District died unexpectedly of a heart attack Sunday evening after being admitted to the hospital for knee surgery.

Wes Bockstiegel, 61, of Fremont launched a second career as an educator after retiring from the computer industry about seven years ago, New Haven spokesman Rick La Plante said.

Bockstiegel had taught math at Washington and American high schools in Fremont before transferring to Barnard-White Middle School in Union City this past school year.

Barnard-White Principal Karen Saucedo said Bockstiegel made students feel valued.

"He kept saying to one mother, `Your daughter is the reason I come to work.' It just made the child feel so good, and she remembered that and shared that with (a) counselor," she said.

Because Bockstiegel was expected to leave the hospital Monday, Saucedo said, news of his death shocked the school community.

As of Tuesday, about 15 students had met with the principal, a counselor or school psychologist for grief counseling, and students are writing cards this week to send to his family.

Bockstiegel is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rebecca Bockstiegel, and two grown children: Robert Bockstiegel of Portland, Ore., and Melanie Bockstiegel of Fremont.

Services are pending.

Contact education reporter Linh Tat at 510-353-7010 or at ltat@bayareanewsgroup.com.