Memorial

Ralph W. Bock, 98, formally of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Hallmark Care Center in Mt. Vernon.  He was preceeded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Doris, 2004; his sister Shirley (Harold) and his parents John and Lydia (Runge).  He is survived by his daughter Diana Forsythe (David), Farmington, IA; and two sons Keith Bock (Susan), Mt. Vernon, IA; and Curt Bock (Cheryl), Dothan, AL.  Also, 7 grandchildren: Amy Meyers (Aaron) DeWitt, IA; Ryan Forsythe (Erin), Farmington, IA; John Bock (Abby) Mt. Vernon, IA; Andrew Bock (Christy) Cedar Rapids, IA; Lindsay Thuerauf (Jon) Mt. Vernon, IA; Jordan Bock (Lindsey) Midland City, AL; Maria Bock (Nick Hargens) Van Meter, IA.  15 great-grandchildren: Easton, Hudson, Logan; Brynn, Avery; Kyle, Cody, Nick; Hailey, Emily, Carly; Kate, Mason; Evan; Stella and new one on the way!

Ralph was born in Chicago on November 20, 1925. He graduated from Lane Tech High School and finished 3 semesters of study at the Illinois Institute of Technology before he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1944.  He served in the 661st Tank Destroyer Battalion as a radio operator.  The 661st was attached to the 69th Infantry Division and saw action in Belgium in the Battle of the Bulge.  The 69th Division was the first U.S. Army unit to make contact with the Russian Army at Torgau, Germany on April 25, 1945 dividing the German army in two and they surrendered two weeks later.  He was honorably discharged in April, 1946.  He returned home and completed his studies at IIT receiving his bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949.  He was a life member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.  He participated in an Honor Flight on November 1, 2008.  

He worked for several firms in Chicago before joining Quaker Oats in Chicago at their Corporate Headquarters in 1963.  He was transferred to the Cedar Rapids plant in 1965 as a Project Engineer; later he became Manager of Engineering and retired from Quaker Oats in 1989.

While in Torgau celebrating the WWII 50th anniversary of the American and Russian forces coming together at the Elbe River, Ralph participated placing the wreath at the base of the dedication monument.

He and Doris enjoyed the winters they spent in Arizona and trips and cruises to Europe, South America, Hawaii and Alaska.  

He enjoyed his daily walk and doing the daily crossword at Lindale Mall.  He was a frequent contributor to the “Letters” Column in the Gazette and an avid First Day Cover stamp collector.  He was a former member of the Cedar Valley Woodcarvers Club.  Two of his carvings hung in the Cedar Rapids airport terminal.  He most enjoyed the time he spent at the beloved family get-togethers.

He was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church, 3275 N. Center Point Rd, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411, where Ralph was an active member.   Visitation is at King of Kings Lutheran Church on September 21, 2024 at 9:30am with a memorial service at 11:00 am.

Thank you to Essence of Life Hospice and Hallmark for their outstanding care and love for Ralph.

P.S. Death is only another part of life.  He and Doris were always proud of our close-knit family.  Be kind to one another and God bless you all.