Jerald A. Bock

Jerald A. Bock, age 89, of Troy, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. Born on August 21, 1935, in Isabel, South Dakota, to Carl and Margaret Bock, Jerald lived a full and generous life defined by faith, family, service, and craftsmanship.

Jerald was the beloved husband and soulmate of Martha, sharing nearly 69 years of love, partnership, and devotion. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and joy, including the home Jerald proudly constructed by hand, where they lived for 62 years. He even built Martha the gazebo of her dreams, a symbol of his enduring love and dedication.

He was a proud and loving father of Jerry Bock (Laura) and Heather Bock (Leroy), and a cherished grandfather of Melissa Bock, the late Amber Marie Bock, Haley Markins, Savannah Markins, Gunner Markins, and Alexander Bock. Jerald the caring great-grandfather of Evelyn Whitten, Audrey Whitten, and Alaina Gonzalez Luna. He was the dear brother of the late Donald Bock, the late Clare Tabor, and Carol Standlick, and leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.

A highly skilled mason, Jerald rose through the ranks from apprentice to foreman and eventually to superintendent, playing a major role in the construction of Faith Lutheran Church-a place he helped shape both physically and spiritually. His hands helped build not only structures, but also a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication.

Jerald proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He continued his public service as an officer with the Troy Police Department from 1964 to 1967, and later as a volunteer firefighter in Troy for 15 years.

Faith was a cornerstone of Jerald's life. He was a devoted parishioner first at Faith Lutheran Church and later at Hope Lutheran Church, where he participated actively in the church choir and bell choir, sharing his deep bass voice with the congregation.

He and Martha were lifelong dance partners, excelling in ballroom, tap, and clogging-often performing in senior competitions. Jerald was also an avid golfer and, for a time, a small aircraft pilot, flying his own plane out of Big Beaver Airport.

Jerald's legacy is one of strength, devotion, service, and love. He touched countless lives and left a lasting mark on his family, his church, and his community.

Visitation for Jerald will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 3:00–8:00 PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home – Price Chapel (3725 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48083).

Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hope Lutheran Church (32400 Hoover Road, Warren, MI 48093). Visitation at the church will begin at 10:00 AM.

Jerald will be laid to rest at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East.

Memorial contributions in Jerald's honor may be made out to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Alzheimer's Association, or Hope Lutheran Church.