Memorial

Whether he was traveling the world, playing bridge or reading the latest best seller, Edward F. Bock of Cedar Rapids believed in living life to its fullest. He went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 after a short illness.Services will be held Tuesday April 3 at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be Monday April 2 from 4-7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on 1st Avenue.Ed is survived by his daughter Pamela Bock of Cedar Rapids, a very special friend Joanne Hagedorn of Cedar Rapids, sister in-law Virginia Bock of Overland Park Ks, Grace Bock of Beatrice Ne, Dorothy Farnsworth of Iowa City, brother in-law John Bigler of Arlington Tx, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Margaret Elizabeth Farnsworth Bock, his parents Lydia (Fromm) and August Bock, brothers Rudy and Eugene and infant sister.Ed was born on December 29, 1916 in Cordes Illinois, and moved to Buena Vista County Iowa while a sophomore in high school. He graduated from Brooke Consolidated High School in 1934. He attended Buena Vista College from 1934-1940, but his studies were interrupted for 3 years while he battled tuberculosis at Oakdale Sanatorium near Iowa City.He then attended the State University of Iowa (University of Iowa) from 1940-1942 graduating with a BSC in Commerce. He started in public accounting in 1942 with Allen & Company in Des Moines, became a CPA in 1946 and opened their Cedar Rapids office in 1948. When Peat, Marwick and Mitchell acquired Allen and Company in 1955, he became a partner in that firm in 1958. Ed was president of the Iowa Society of CPA's in 1960. Ed retired in 1972 from Peat, Marwick & Mitchell after 30 years in public accounting. For the past 40 years Ed involved himself in entrepreneurial endeavors including radio stations, restaurants, real estate, auto dealerships and other business ventures. One of Ed's greatest joys was mentoring young people and helping them get started in business. Ed retired on March 28, 2012.Being a \"preacher’s kid\", Ed never overlooked his responsibility to give back to the community. He was instrumental in bringing Geneva Towers to Cedar Rapids in the 1960's. It was the first independent senior retirement facility in the state of Iowa. Ed was a driving force in the creation of the Margaret Bock House. Ed loved his men’s group at Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was active in the Westside Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. Ed established scholarship programs at Eden Seminary and Buena Vista University. He served on various boards of charitable organizations. Ed's distinguished participation on the Board of Directors of Tanager Place and on the Board of Trustees at Buena Vista University enriched his later years.In keeping with his vigorous pursuit of business and civic works, Ed was just as energetic in his pursuit of pleasure. He was a voracious reader. He traveled extensively, touching on all seven continents. Listening to live music was a particular love, as well as playing bridge at Elmcrest Country Club and the Senior Center. Ed was an avid sports enthusiast. A twinkle in his eyes preceded every pun. Most of all, Ed cherished the friendships developed throughout his long life and extensive travels. Ed's profound interest in people transcended all walks of life and personified the cliché, \"He never met a stranger\".The family would like to thank the Mercy Hospital ICU & 9th floor Cardiac-Neurological Unit for the special care given to Ed, as well as, an extraordinary thanks to all of the staff at Manor Care Rapid Recovery Unit in Cedar Rapids.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to a memorial fund being established in the name of Edward F. Bock.