Max Franklin Bock

Max Franklin Bock, 89, of Garrett, IN passed away peacefully at Bethlehem Woods in Ft Wayne, of prostate cancer, on Oct 24, 2023.

He was born Sept 28, 1934 to Walter & Helen (Hook) Bock, in Newville, IN. Growing up on the farm there and later in “Dutchtown” Garrett with his 5 siblings, whom have all preceded him in death.

Max started working early on in life, 1949-1955 at Ort’s Furniture part-time. Various employment over his career were Tri Hi Drive in (Auburn/Garrett) Concessions mgr., B&O RR as a Brakeman until he left for the Navy, International Harvester 1962-‘66 & ’72-’81. His John Hancock Ins and Real Estate business’ were located within the Melvin Diederich Building, whom he was life time best friends with. He continued to work after retirement at Bill’s Liquor store, a Security Guard at the Auburn Foundry for ESI and his own Handyman business until his health declined.

Max joined the Naval Reserve/US Navy from Jan. 1953 until 1961, serving his country on the U.S.S. Roanoke-CL-145, a Korean War Veteran.

He married in 1955 to Virginia (Kruger) Bock and had 2 girls, Sheri & Denise. They divorced and later re-married to Patricia (Freeman-Drerup) Bock and along with her daughter, Dina; they had 2 boys, Brian and Adam.

During his lifetime as a resident of Garrett, he touched many lives, and was influential in starting numerous community activities. He started up the Garrett Jaycee’s, the Garrett July 4th fireworks, worked with the Merchants on Sidewalk Days later to become Heritage Days, and The Miss Garrett Pageant. He was a lifetime member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church – Garrett, IN.

His legacy will live on through his children, Sheri (Marc McClendon) Cutler, Anniston, AL, Denise (Mark) Woodcock, Kendallville, IN, Brian (Rhonda) Bock, Stroh, IN, Adam Bock, Avilla, IN and Step-daughter Dina- Drerup (Jeffrey) Smith, Topeka, IN., grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces & nephews.

Max was preceded in death by his parents: Walter L. and Helen Bock; 5 brothers: Raymond Bock, Charles Bock, Robert Bock, Keith Bock, and David (Lee) Bock; a sister: Charlotte Parvu; 3 great grandchildren.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 C.R. 56, Garrett, IN.

A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will take place at 1 p.m. with Rev. Keaton Christiansen officiating.

Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery – Newville, IN

Memorials in lieu of flowers are to the Garrett American Legion Post#178 or the Miss Garrett Pageant.

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