George Bock

George Lewis Bock, age 87 of, Springfield, passed away on December 2, 2014 at his residence.

George was born August 15, 1927 in rural Menard County, the son of Lewis Otto and Grace Fern (Weaver) Bock. He grew up near Fancy Prairie and graduated from Elkhart High School.

George married Loretta Joann Kern on December 26, 1954 at the Fancy Prairie Presbyterian Church. She preceded him in death on March 26, 2007. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, William and Lawrence Bock.

He is survived by daughters; Debbie (Bob) Lott of Athens, IL, Nancy (Roy) Smith of Fishers, IN; a son, Roger Bock of Cantrall, IL; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and ten step-great-grandchildren.

George worked at Allis Chalmers and retired from Fiat Allis after 38 years when the plant closed in Springfield. He was a member of the UAW where he served as Shop Steward, Committeeman and Union Labor Negotiator. He later worked for the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training as a rep for the new territory in Illinois retiring after eight years.

George served in the U.S. Navy during WW II as a Seaman 1st Class on the submarine tender USS Nereus AS-17 in the Pacific Theatre. He enlisted on May 23, 1945 and later was assigned to USNTC Great Lakes and was discharged on August 4, 1946. George received the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and American Area Campaign Medal.

He was a board member and past president of the Athens Community Park and was instrumental in the building of the new park and the growth of the programs provided in the 1970’s.

George was a life-member of the Northender VFW Post 10302 and served as auditor there for many years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Athens and the American Legion Post 129. George was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was the head of the Retirees Committee for the UAW and served on the Fancy Creek Water Commission and worked for years to bring water to the rural area.

He was a member of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight in 2010 when he and his guardian DeeDee Chandler saw the memorials, went to dinners and was honored at a St. Louis Cardinals game. Being part of that experience was one of the greatest honors in his life.

After retirement, he enjoyed golfing with his buddies and family. He loved his grandchildren and was a proud grandpa watching them participate in sports. He was an avid sports fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, U of I, and the Chicago Bears.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens with a Masonic service starting at 7:30 PM.Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home.

Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer will be officiating.

Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Memorials can be made to American Legion Athens Post #129.