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MARTIN JOSEPH BROCK

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Bishop Ward High School Wichita State University

FUNERAL HOME

Skradski Funeral Home - Kansas City

340 N 6th St

Kansas City, Kansas

MARTIN BROCK Obituary

Martin Joseph Brock, 62, of Roeland Park, Kan., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 22, in Belton, Mo. Marty was born on December 1, 1947, in Hays, Kan., to John (Jack) and Madell (Homler) Brock. He graduated from Kapaun High School (Wichita, Kan.) in 1965, and Wichita State University in 1970, where he majored in art. After graduation, Marty worked at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Englewood, Colo., where he helped care for patients with spinal cord and brain injuries. Returning to Kansas, he obtained his teaching certificate and began his 33-year tenure in January of 1977 at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan. At Ward, Marty taught art, photography, and graphic design and coached wrestling and golf. He also worked in the school's development office. Marty was the consummate artist and teacher, but the true light of his life was his daughter, Elizabeth Erin, whom he adopted with former wife Rebecca (McKellips) in 1990. Liz brought him immeasurable joy, and he raised her with the same passion and love he shared with his countless students. Marty challenged his students to think - and live - creatively and independently, and he recognized the strengths in each. He brought out the best in his students, treating them with respect and concern. Marty knew a lot about a lot: he taught his students and athletes much more than just art or sports. He was a staunch believer in - and advocate for - Bishop Ward High School. The school and its community became Marty's family, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the traditions and legacy of Bishop Ward live on. A true "Renaissance Man," Marty was a gifted musician, a prolific reader, an avid crossword puzzler and an ardent debater. He also enjoyed articulating his views on social justice and politics in his frequent letters to the editor. Marty loved his family, his friends, his golf and his guitar. He has left an enduring imprint on all whose lives he has touched. Preceding Marty in death was his father, Jack. Survivors include his daughter, Elizabeth, of the home; mother, Madell, Wichita; brothers John and Robert, Wichita, and brother Thomas, Los Angeles. Visitation for Marty will be on Sunday, December 27, from 4-6 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 94th and State, Kansas City, Kan., where a rosary will be said at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, December 28, at 11 a.m. at the church. Donations in Marty's name may be made to Bishop Ward Art Department, c/o Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan. The artist, he imagined, standing in the position of mediator between the world of his experience and the world of his dreams . . James Joyce Arrangements: Skradski Funeral Home, Kansas City, Kan., at (913) 371-1404, or www.skradskifh-kc.rr.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Dec. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for MARTIN BROCK

18 Entries

November 9, 2010

My heart is heavy and breaking. For today , I found out that my best friend, Martin Brock, died last Dec. I don't what to say. I feel a very deep loss. We shared a lot of memories. We attended both grade school and high school. We grew up together. He went to college and I went into the military. But we remained friends and would contact each other when we could. He always had room and time when I came around. I will miss his friendship. He was like a brother to me. My heart is really breaking.
John Immenschuh

Bede

July 20, 2010

Although my last contact with Marty was after graduation from Kapaun in 1965, I have often thought of him as he was an inspiration to me during that period of time.
If not for him, I wouldn't have mustered up the heart to get through the wrestling practices conducted by Coach Weiss. And that mettle has come in handy in latter circumstances.
I am very sorry to learn of his passing and wish I had had the opportunity to have corresponded with him sometime in the last 45 years.
I knew him as an exemplary young man and, by what I read about him here, he continued in that vein.
Just as an aside, I remember losing a few dollars to him on the Clay-Liston bout. It was a traumatic experience for me. ---Marty gloated!
These days, it makes me smile.

Cindy Heiman

January 2, 2010

I will miss Marty and know that is true for all the other teachers at Ward as well. His legacy will live on in the halls of Bishop Ward for generations to come.

Dominic Petrich, class of '84

December 30, 2009

Thank you Marty, for not telling your students how to live, but living life well and letting us learn from your example. You will be remembered.

December 30, 2009

Thank You Mr. Brock for being a great role model. You have impacted many people. Miss you.
John Budd Class of 1983

Angie Hawkins

December 28, 2009

Mr. Brock had a quiet way of getting to the "truth" of a matter, even when a kid was doing their damndest to run from it, deny it or twist it. From him i learned that real art reveals Truth. Now by God's grace he'll live in
ultimate TRUTH, love and joy!
Eternal rest grant unto Marty, o Lord, and let Your perpetual beauty and light shine upon his soul.
i have always been grateful for having Mr. Brock in my life; just thought i'd get to see him again...
My prayers continue to be with you, Liz, and the whole Ward family.
class of '84

Gerald Butters

December 28, 2009

Marty Brock probably didn't realize the impact that he had on several generations of students. I decided to go into education because of role models like Marty. He truly was a Renaissance man - he was creative, intellectual and understood the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. He will be sorely missed.

Gerald Butters (class of 79)

December 28, 2009

“Mr. Brock” -known to many of his students was indeed the “rare individual, art teacher, & teacher on life”. He clearly brought the best out of me his first year at BW (before the grey hair), as I see the many students that followed up to today. He challenged me to have talent, inspiring creativity & independence, yes, with respect & concern. Yes, what a loss here now,: we do know what he inspired to us individually, so many of us gained so much. His family is in my prayers, he was an inspiring teacher to me & I am so sorry over his passing. God Bless,
Theresa (Bragdon) K.

Bill Young

December 27, 2009

December 27, 2009

I got the news today that my friend Martin Brock had died. I have known Martin since the 7th grade. I have always told people that Martin was my best friend. We have much history, the vast majority of which happened before he moved to Kansas City.
I can not describe my feelings of loss at this news. I can not even imagine how Martin's family must feel.
I have read the comments in this guest book and I can imagine how those who have known Martin, either as a student, co-worker, or friend feel. Martin spent his life making quite an impression on people.
I know that Martin loved his family as much as any son and brother and father could. I don't think I realized how much he loved his family until he became a father and raised such an incredible young lady.
I know that all of us who knew and respected and loved Martin will grieve his loss. He was a rare individual. I also know that there is a strength in the Brock family that will help them through this terrible time. I saw that strength once before, many years ago, when another Mr. Brock, another father, died at much too early an age.
Goodbye Martin. I will miss my best friend.

Kelsey Hughes

December 27, 2009

My heart goes out to Mr.Brock's family, especially his daughter. Losing a parent at such a young age is REALLY heartbreaking.
Your Dad is in a much better place and he is completely at peace. He is always with you, watching over you and waiting for the day when you join him as well. Ask him to help you get through this. Keeping that in mind really helped me get through my Dad's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Mr. Marty Brock!! You will be greatly missed!
Class of '04

Harley Huggins II

December 27, 2009

He started as Mr. Brock, my art teacher and became Marty, my friend.

See you on the other side, Marty.

Harley - class of '83

Chuck Whiles

December 27, 2009

Mr. Brock was truly a great man, on the mat or in video production he always had a challenge for me, wheather showing up to practice was the obstacle or debating me on political views. He was a great mentor to me on my four year tenor at ward and will be greatly missed!

Sue Hoffman

December 27, 2009

Mr. Brock was not just a teacher and coach of art,photography,wrestling and golf; he was a teacher on life. He shared enthusiasm, time, patience, friendship and love with his students. He was truly dedicated to his career and to Bishop Ward. He was a friend and mentor and gave so freely of his own time to show the students how he believed in them. He instilled in them a confidence that they could build dreams on and take into their adult lives. He will continue to live on in all who have been blessed to know him. He will be missed.

Cindy Bartko

December 26, 2009

I had Mr. Brock as an art teacher in 1977. I thought he was pretty neat back then. Such a regular guy that you could talk to about anything. He would play his guitar sometimes in class for us. It is nice to hear so many wonderful stories about him from his students and co-workers over the years. He was a one of a kind individual. I saw him in October and was glad to have a chance to talk to him. It was nice to know that one of my favorite teachers was now teaching my niece. He will truly be missed. My prayers are with his family and friends.

Samantha Stinson

December 26, 2009

Mr. Brock wasn't just a teacher, he was a hero to many including myself. He always had wonderful advice about art, photography and life. I will never forget his countless stories about his life in Colorado and his knowledge that was shared to us students. He will be greatly missed in the Ward family and I will honestly miss his class this upcoming semester. I will miss our conversations about politics. He has taught me so much about the hobby I wish to pursue, photography. It is hard to believe he is gone. We miss you Mr. Brock.

Maria Rios

December 26, 2009

Ward has lost a piece of its foundation. Mr Brock was an awesome teacher and a person. My condolences to his Wife and daughter.

Maria Rios
Class of 1982

Melissa Wiles

December 26, 2009

I had the privilege of working with Marty for 3 years. Always a gentleman, he was fascinating to talk to and I enjoyed learning his perspectives. As someone new to the BWHS family when I began teaching there, Marty welcomed me into that family and made me feel like an insider. I had the honor of teaching Liz, and my heart aches for her. How Marty loved Liz. They had a very unique and wonderful father-daughter bond. He will be missed, as he was one of a kind. Rest in peace, Marty. We are all better people for having known you. You will be missed.

Melissa Wiles

Steve Crum

December 26, 2009

I am still so stunned at this news of Marty's passing. Marty was a friend and close associate during my past five years teaching at Bishop Ward High, sharing not only a room but yearbook duties. (He was one superb photographer and Photoshop expert.) Marty was the most intellectual and philosophical person I have ever known, and always winced at my corny humor. Like he was with everyone, he volunteered to help in any way he could. To say he is and will be missed by students, alumni and Ward staff is an understatement. God Bless you, Marty, as well as your daughter Liz and family. ~Steve Crum

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