Bock, Edward F.

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 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on First 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, Kan., Grace Bock of Beatrice Neb., Dorothy Farnsworth of Iowa City; brother in-law, John Bigler of Arlington, Texas; 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 Dec. 29, 1916, in Cordes, Ill., 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 three 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 & Co. in Des Moines, became a CPA in 1946 and opened their Cedar Rapids office in 1948. When Peat, Marwick and Mitchell acquired Allen and Co. in 1955, he became a partner in that firm in 1958. Ed was president of the Iowa Society of CPAs 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 Tower to Cedar Rapids in the 1960s. 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 and 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.

Published March 31, 2012 in The Gazette