My favorite dancing partner. 
I love you so much Dad. 
I can't wait to dance with you in heaven. Until then I will replay our video over and over and you can dance with Janelle. 

John was one of the first  people I met when I came to Immaculate Heart of Mary.  What a gentleman and a trooper.  Whenever there was something to be done, John was there.  You will be dearly missed by all.    Love and prayers to you and all of your family.

While it is impossible to properly express my love for, and the many memories of, my grandpa here, or, in any amount of mere words, I'm thankful to be able to add to this collection. All of the memories and stories that have been shared the last week are similar, yet unique. Similar in that they all have the theme of grandpa's goodness, yet unique in that he really did tailor his relationships to each individual, making each of us feel special and letting each of us see a little diffent aspect of his personality and character. I keep thinking of a prism, how it takes its light source and divies it up into many colors. The red is light, the orange is light, the yellow is light, and the green, and the blue, and the purples. All light, but none the entire light. At the wake and funeral I could sense that the relationship I had with grandpa, which felt so bright, as if it could have represented his entire personality, was in fact, one of many beams. To really know him I think, you have to see all those colors together. Here at the end of his earthly journey, it was a beautiful sight. 

I also thought of another aspect of grandpa. Even in my earliest memories grandpa was a generous, kind, and fun man. That being said, I think somehow, like a fine wine, he even got better and better as he aged. Or maybe I simply just matured and over time and experience came to appreciate his finest qualities better. Either way, it felt to me that each year he became even more present in my life; even more generous with his time, material possessions, and wisdom; even more dedicated and doting to grandma; and ever closer to God and the Church. I think this might be his greatest legacy - that he continually learned and allowed himself to be renewed and perfected by God, and then didn't squander the learning and grace received. Rather, he incorporated it into his life and passed it on. My hope now is that I can thank grandpa for his many gifts, material and immaterial, by doing the same. 

My Grandpa knew everyone...and if he didn't, he made sure to introduce himself. I remember him and grandma joining us for early, weekday Masses and afterward taking us to McDonalds for breakfast. At least 5 people would stand up and shake his hand. But one of my favorite memories of just how popular he is, was when our vacation to Mertle Beach coincided with an anniversary, Bus Tour trip him and Grandma were gifted! They ended up at Mertle Beach the same time as my family. Grandpa had the whole bus thinking he was the tour guide. He sure acted like it! When they passed the family farm, you best believe grandpa stood up, grabbed the headset and announced it, along with many fun facts of the neighboring area (at least that's how the story goes). By the time the bus arrived to Mertle Beach, everyone knew who my Grandpa was. Before getting off the bus Grandpa got ahold of that microphone again and announced "You watch! When I get off this bus, there will be two beautiful ladies walking up that Beach and they are both going to give me a kiss!" My sister Jessica and I just so happened to be on our way to greet him and grandma. We both gave him the biggest kiss and I can still remember the beam of pride all over his face. Grandma was giggling in the background and everyone on the bus was peering out the windows with their jaws dropped in shock! After they realized the prank grandpa pulled, those people on the bus introduced themselves as if they were each Grandpa's best friend-and they each had stories to tell about him! 

Stories, oh I've got stories about this "crazy" man...like the time he took my son little Jimmy hunting outside in the yard. Little Jimmy came running inside to tell Grandma Bernice a raccoon peed on his head. Grandma Bernice laughed so hard she couldn't breath. Then she looked over at me and must have seen the shock on my face and said "Brenda that damn fool has my grandson believing a raccoon peed on his head, but it is only the neighbor's sprinkler." Or the time he made Jim and I come down to some hunting cabin. We were in a dodge omni and there were NO ROADS to this cabin and I was 8 and half months pregnant. I was green when we got there and John said What are you worried about, I'll deliver that baby. I think I prayed harder that day then ever...But out of all the memories that came true is the one when the BAST SISTERS told me that John was a "Ram Rodder". Well Dad you proved them right . When over 400 people came to pay their respect to Bernice and family your last "Ram Rodding" can't be topped. Love You, Brenda

We always waited for the snow. We would all get in the van and go sleigh riding in Carondelet Park

Grandpa, "I love you". Three words spoken the most between us.  Without a doubt, I knew you weren't just stating them as a goodbye phrase, but with intent meaning. You would make sure to pause from whatever you were doing, look me straight in the eye, and say them without hesitation. Very fitting that those three were our last exchange. I love you grandpa, I always will, and I cherish every memory I have of you! 

I'm grateful for going on many, many hunting trips with Grandpa out to the family farm throughout my life. He would sit in his deer stand for maybe an hour and a half, and then he would always climb down, get in the car, and drive around for the rest of the morning; spotting deer with his binoculars, stopping to talk to family and old friends, and (most remembered) keeping the rest of us in our tree stands entertained with his commentary over the walkie-talkies. He truly enjoyed being out there where he grew up, and I know he loved sharing the experience with all of our Illinois and Missouri family members. 
It's hard to say goodbye to you Grandpa, because you filled all of our hearts with so much  Love and Joy. There was never a dull moment with you, and your Presence is one that cannot be replaced; only cherished and admired by all that were graced with your company. May we all strive to embody Grandpa's Spirit in every moment to come, and continue to spread the Love that he always made sure we felt!

Grandpa always made you feel like you were the only one in the room. He made you feel so special as he told you how proud he was of you, or looked at you with pride and love through the twinkle in his eye! Grandpa’s love radiated out of him. Here are some of my fondest memories of Grandpa: 

I remember him inviting me to go hunting with him, my brother and dad, but I didn’t want to shoot anything so he said I could take pictures (knowing I loved photography!).. and in the end they drew a turkey on a paper plate and let me shoot at it with the shotgun so I felt included.

Grandpa was always telling stories and loved to joke. He always told me when I was eating a ham from a wild boar or a deer he had got... but one day he had me convinced I was eating A BEAR! (Still not sure if he was joking but almost 100% sure haha)

To Grandpa I had another name - Rosie. I loved the way he and his siblings called me Rosie or Katie Rose with such joy at the name being a family name, the name of their mother and my great grandmother! You could tell how much he loved her by the way he made me feel so special sharing her name! I felt such a deeper connection to her than could have been formed in the short few years I knew her. 

My all time favorite memory though, is the daddy daughter dances at every family wedding (so many!) where he would take turns with his granddaughters on the dance floor. The suit and tie, the cologne, the slicked back hair... I always felt like a princess dancing with Grandpa! And I was one - to him all  his daughters/granddaughters/great granddaughters were! 

I have so many more deep in my heart that I will never forget- I love you Grandpa

John,
Thank you for being the best father-in-law and grandpa a girl could ask for. Your love and pride in your children and grandchildren were always so evident on your face. I loved watching you just watch, listen, and glow as your grandkids played around you. Thank you for your constant devotion to them, especially when they lost their other grandpa. They all loved you so! You were always ready with a smile, a hug, and a kiss, even when our paths didn’t cross as often anymore. Never once did you make me feel like I didn’t belong; I was still your granddaughters’ mom, and you never stopped showing your love for me. Words you shared with me privately showed me just how much you cared… Thank you for blessing us all with your love of God, family, and life! I will miss and love you always!


I will remember my Uncle John as a man of character and strength who could always be counted on. A take charge guy who got things done. I loved his smile. A few of my favorite memories: him loading us in the old wood panel station wagon and taking us to the Dubois fair (I chipped a front tooth in that same car when he took us to Santa Claus Land in Indiana),  him coming to our rescue and handling the "by God I'll get that water moccasin" drunk guy at one of the weddings, and him cranking the cassette he got at the bluegrass festival full blast with a van full of clapping kids while we drove down main Street in Winslow. Thankfully, I have a treasure trove of memories of him. I love you Uncle John.

Uncle Johnny was so sweet and kind, and made every family gathering better!  I especially remember watching him in the IHM parade, and the pride and laughter we all shared waving and yelling to him!  He made every member of the family feel important and loved!  We love and will miss you!

I will always remember John for his enthusiasm for life. What a gift his presence was to everyone. God bless him for his kind and caring ways! 

My heart is filled with so many wonderful memories of my Uncle John, most of which include a little, soft pinch on my ear. I’d have to say my favorite is when he and Aunt Bernice traveled to Washington for my wedding via train. What an adventure they had when record temperatures interfered with their travel. As always, Uncle John devised a plan and saw it through, arriving with time to spare before the wedding. The picture I’m showing is Uncle John stuffing a wad of cash in my shoe! He told me “I know your father would have wanted to be here. As your Godfather I’m your dad now and you are my girl.” It meant everything to me for him to walk me down the aisle and give me away. Those memories are more precious than gold. I’ll always picture him with that twinkle in his eyes...I will love him forever. 

I cherish every memory with grandpa. His hugs always showed me his amazing love and left me confident. Every Sunday when my family went to visit grandma and grandpa I would purposely sit in the lounge chair next to grandpa. It was those moments that I learned it’s not always what you say but what you don’t say and being there next to him was the highlight of my visits. I love you forever grandpa.  

Grandpa is one of the strongest people I know and I will miss him so much. My favorite memory of grandpa by far is when he would tell me stories after stories about his life. I learned so much about him and about life. By his life he taught me to always go for my dreams and put everything I have into them no matter how difficult it can be. I loved how his face would light up when he would talk about his childhood and the moment he met grandma. Grandpa you will always be loved and very much missed. 

Growing up my own father was never very affectionate, didn’t say I love you or hug very often. I married into the Bock family and my life changed forever! John was everything I always needed in a father, so much love, hugs, kisses, and he never left me or hung up the phone before he said I love you . My own father passed away when I was 30 so John was the only man that I called Dad for over 20 years. I thank you Dad for all of your love, you enriched my life more than you will ever know. I had told him on many occasions that I thought god placed him in my life for a reason, Im so blessed to have known him. God Bless this great man♥️

I have so many memories of Grandpa that I will cherish forever.  Dancing at my wedding, him showing up to my house and just walking in, and showing up in my backyard when I was out with the girls.  His presence made me feel so loved.  I remember the first time Hannah warmed up to him and gave him a kiss he was so happy.  “She kissed me!”  My heart is so heavy but I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful memories.  I’ll love you forever! 

My favorite memory of Grandpa is simply remembering the contented smile he always wore whenever he was around family. Leaning back in his recliner chair just watching everyone, taking it all in (and probably imagining what we were saying half of the time since he couldn’t always hear us). He would watch everyone and just smile, and you knew he was just happy to have everyone together. The way he lit up when you’d talk to him and tell him something new or exciting that was happening, the way he’d smile and squeeze your knee or side if he didn’t quite hear you but loved anything you would be telling him just the same. The way he made you feel so important, loved, and successful with his praises, bragging, and hugs. The way he had to have something done just right, and would teach you and tell you over and over until you did it just the way he wanted it, so you could remember for next time.  He was everything a girl could hope for in a grandpa, and he will be truly missed. Love you always, Grandpa! Love, your “doctor.” 

The last few years I’ve been more involved in the neighborhood organizations and ward meetings for Grandpa’s area. He was like a celebrity there. Working the polls the ladies would all coo oh you’re John Bock’s granddaughter! At the Boulevard Heights meeting I had the honor of seeing Grandpa in action, doing what he loved. He was always making a difference and never met a stranger. If I can be a shadow of the person he was, I think that would be pretty great. I’ll miss him but know he’s living in through all of us. 

I had the pleasure of taking John to a St. Louis Cardinals ball game with his granddaughter Janelle and my daughter Taylor. Jeanne couldn’t go so John filled in. Taylor was so excited that Janelles grandpa was going to a game with us. John treated  Taylor like another granddaughter.  We had a great time and even brought home a winner.  He was such a nice man and I’m glad I got to know him. 

I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always. 
My heart is blessed with a million memories. Some of my favorites are when he would push me on the swing until my toes touched the ceiling, or the time we were at a Chinese restaurant casually describing in explicit detail how to skin a squirrel when a disturbed couple begged us to stop. I guess we forgot that might have been gross to other people. I loved when grandpa would surprise me at work. I would look up and there he would be, with a snack pack and soda for me. I always had fun as a kid when he would catch squirrels and spray paint their tails and we would go release them in JB Park and wait and see if he would show up back home. And I’ll NEVER forget the one time Grandma Bernice grabbed grandpas bow and shot a squirrel off the front porch right in the foot. I was amazed. Grandpa would sneak in our house and do funny stuff, like the time he stuffed my bed and made it look like someone was laying in it under the covers to spook me. 
I’ll never love someone the way I loved him. He was the best person I’ve ever known and the one person in the whole world who I never doubted and always knew I could count on anytime. 
I love you PaPa John, a bushel and a peck 

When I was a child Uncle John would push me on a swing he had set up in his car port. He pushed me so high my feet touched the ceiling. We would laugh so hard and have the best time on that swing. It’s one of those childhood memories that really stick out and I’m so glad it’s with my Uncle John. 

My favorite memories with Uncle John involved the great outdoors. As a youngster, we would gather up all the kids and go slough fishing. As an adult, deer hunting is by far my favorite memories. He once told me I gotta have a picture with you when we were hunting. Noone else can say they go deer hunting with their goddaughter.  He never forgot my birthday. 
He was definitely one of a kind . 

Johnny Ray was a wonderful high school classmate.  He was also quite generous to offer to meet me at Lambart Field when I came back home to visit.  Bernice was just as nice  to me as he was.  

He was a great man! I have many many memories from when I was a  child. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bock family. 

OBITUARY

John R. Bock

August 3, 1937 – August 22, 2019

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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