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Northwest Missouri State University

Allyn Bock Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 8, 2025.

Allyn Bock, "Al Bock" of Scottsdale, AZ passed away January 2 2025 due to congestive heart failure, he was 76. Born February 29 1948 in Stronghurst Illinois to Harold and Ann Bock he grew up with two sisters Martha and Prillie. He graduated from Stronghurst High School and was a member of the football team. He went onto study Industrial Technology at Northwest Missouri State where he met and married Sally Wallin. They had two boys AJ and Eric. They previously resided near Peoria Il, West Lafayette, IN and shortly in Peachtree City GA.

His career at Caterpillar as a design engineer of Large Diesel and Gas Engines spanned over 30 years. Having created 19 patents, his mark put him in the top 2% of design engineers and received several prestigious design awards. The engines are used today in: Locomotives, Boats, Bulldozers, Off-Highway Trucks and Power Generator sets.

He retired and moved with Sally to Scottsdale, AZ where they enjoyed warm weather, tennis, cold chardonnay, and participated in the local Caterpillar retirees club. He was a lifelong fan of the University of Illinois football and a fan of motorsports: F1, Indycar, Nascar.

His hobbies included: tinkering with engines, rebuilding a Ford Model A roadster, baking chocolate fudge, woodworking & carpentry. He also had an affection for Basset Hounds!

Known to us as "Dad" and "Opa" or to friends as simply "Al" you'll be sorely missed! Survived by wife Sally of over 50 years, son AJ & Julia, with grandkids Luke & Kyle of Huntington Beach, CA. Son Eric of Scottsdale, AZ. Sister Martha Rinne of Scottsdale, AZ. Sister Prillie and Lynn Huls of Saint Joseph IL, niece Erin Soppet. Brother-in-law Bob Wallin of Mission Viejio, CA, nephew Tom Wallin, niece Jen Hubbard.

In tribute, a memorial video will be released on his birthday (Feb 28 to March 1st) in lieu of a service. Please contribute your memories here.

If you wish to send the family a message please reach me at [email protected]

Kind Regards,

AJ Bock

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Recent Activity

March 26, 2025

Susan OConnor posted to the memorial.

March 3, 2025

AJ Bock posted to the memorial.

March 2, 2025

AJ Bock posted to the memorial.

14 Entries

Susan OConnor

March 26, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I've always enjoyed seeing Sally and Al in my dental chair. He was such a nice man. I'm sure he will be missed by many. At this time I will keep Sally and their family in my thoughts and prayers.

AJ Bock

March 3, 2025

My Dad's tribute video can be found here, hope you enjoy! AJ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ROVibm8ehPs

AJ Bock

March 2, 2025

Hi all, just finalizing some touches on the memorial video and hope to have out tonight. Will post the link Thank you for you patience-AJ

Doug Long

February 7, 2025

My deepest condolences to the Bock family. I had the pleasure of working with Al at Caterpillar and I highly valued his steady demeanor and deep expertise. He was often sought after by other engineers to share his knowledge and understanding of all things related to diesel engines. My favorite memory of Al was that whenever someone brought in donuts to celebrate a birthday, he would not take one without leaving enough change for the person to buy a coffee ($0.35 back in the day). He left a strong impact on me and my career. Blessings to you all as you grieve.

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Wayne Ferree

February 6, 2025

Al was an amazing person, talented and humorous engineer. I worked with Al at Caterpillar off and on from the mid 1970s in three different states until we both retired at Caterpillar´s facility south of Atlanta GA. in 2009. I recall funny stories about his basset hound, the bathroom faucet failure with his in-laws to his experience after getting his wisdom teeth removed. I thank God for my friendship with Al.

Chris Soppet

January 28, 2025

Al was surely an interesting man. I didn't have the privilege of knowing him well, but my favorite memory is of the time he was telling Erin and I stories about his boys from when they were little. One in particular, it made him laugh so hard that he could hardly get the words out. Eric and AJ probably know which one I'm referring to.

Rest easy, Al. Our prayers are with your family.

-Chris Soppet and family

Brad Shaffer

January 21, 2025

Al was one of the great ones. Quiet. Patient. Wise. He would listen to Dick Havran and Flyod Matthews argue over engine designs, then create engineering plans that satisfied both. Truly gifted. May his memory be eternal.

Lyle Hunter

January 19, 2025

So sorry to see this. Al thank you for your help,guidance and patience with a young very green Operations Supervisor. You guided us through issues in a calm professional manner. I was honored to work with you. My condolences to the entire family.

Jim Peltier

January 17, 2025

When I joined Caterpillar in 1998, I was in the same group with Al. His influence on me as an engineer and a friend was huge. I still regularly ask myself, "How would Al approach this problem?"

Jed Nixon

January 17, 2025

So sorry to hear of Al's passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We hope you find comfort in knowing that Al is still spoken of kindly in the Lafayette facility as one of the most respected Engineers we had. For many of us on the factory floor, he never really left - we continue to see him every day in the products he helped to create.

Bob Morgan

January 11, 2025

Sally so sorry to receive the sad news. Allyn was a wonderful friend and so many memories that I cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Robert Morgan

Julia Stone

January 10, 2025

Oh Dad, I miss you...Sad plain chicken sandwiches, naps sitting on the couch, Christmas gifts neatly wrapped, lover of a good basset hound mischief story, generous heart. Luke will miss his Opa. I'm glad you got to hold Kyle. Your memory will live forever with us. Love and "the bill", Julia