Born in Chicago, Illinois, Van Bokkelen received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University in 1966 and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1969.

He was an Assistant United States Attorney of the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Indiana from 1972 to 1975.

He was the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana from 2001 to 2007.

On January 9, 2007, Van Bokkelen was nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana vacated by Rodolfo Lozano.

Van Bokkelen was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 2007, and received his commission on July 18, 2007.