Josef Bock

Josef Bock, 87 of St. Joseph, died peacefully on Saturday, October 29, 2016 surrounded by his wife and his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., with Rosary Service at 7:30 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Those wishing to leave a memory online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joe was born on March 4, 1929 in Yugoslavia to Franz and Elisabeth (Zimmer) Bock.  On December 26, 1953 he married the love of his life, Maria Buhali in Brazil. In 1971 he emigrated to America with his wife, mother and four children to provide a better life for his family and live the American dream. Josef was happiest and content when he was working in his garden, cooking, working on projects and helping others. He truly was your “handy man”. In Brazil he worked tirelessly as a farmer. Joe was employed as foreman of maintenance at the Berrien County Courthouse from 1971 to 1991 when he retired. During those years, Joe also worked as a carpenter for several contractors such as Ethan Brandt, Herb Lohrke and Curt Jeske. After retirement he continued working part time for Paul Watt at the Eagle Point Marina Condos until 2010. He was a member of the D.A.N.K. (Deutsch- Amerkanischer National-Kongress). He was a member of the Catholic Church in St. Joseph for the past 44 years. He was an avid reader, loved gardening and “Handyman work”. Enjoyed polka dancing and singing.  Most of all he lived the “dash” (-) of life to the fullest by living as an example to his kids, grandkids, great grand kids and the community he lived in. Survivors include his wife Maria; children: Anna (Edward) Schramm of St. Joseph; Franz (Karen) Bock of Stevensville; Paulina (Frank) Polaskey of Benton Harbor; Richard (Sandy) Bock of St. Joseph. Grandchildren: Edward (Kathyrne)Schramm, Michael Schramm, Jennifer (Blake) Ryan, Austin (Kelsey) Bock, Eric Olszewski, Sarah (Shane) Franks, Steven Polaskey, Brandon Polaskey, David (Stacy) Neidlinger, and  Ashley Bock. Great Grandchildren: Tyler & Emily Schramm, Nathan & Ava Neidlinger, Grady, Parker & Emery Ryan; his sister Magdalena Milla, Brazil, sister-in-law Paulina Kaiser, Brazil and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.