Merl “Bud” Bock

1923 ~ 2020

Merl “Bud” Bock 10/18/1923 – 7/14/2020

Merl Whitney “Bud” Bock, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and family patriarch passed away at his home of natural causes on July 14 at the age of 96. He was born in Omaha, NE to Emmett and Florence (Conard) Bock. He later moved to Wenatchee, WA where he met the love of his life, Fran. They were married on January 20, 1943. They moved to Boise, Idaho and later to Salt Lake City where they raised their two children. After 69 years of marriage Fran preceded him in death in February 2012.

Bud was a hard working, humble, generous, loving man – with magnificently blue eyes – a lover of politics, and a devoted Utah Jazz fan. He was a World War II Navy vet who worked as a baker for the better part of his life. He made the best desserts and rarely was there a time when we didn’t have a little dessert with dinner. He formed relationships with everyone in the family and created special moments for each of us, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will miss his laughter, his ability to whistle a tune without even thinking about it and the love and joy he shared with everyone.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his twin sister, Marion Patterson, his older sister, Pearl Overturf, and his brothers Louie, Carl, and Glen Bock as well as his son-in-law, Kelly Orr. He is survived by his son Tom (Judy) Bock and his daughter Cheri Orr; grandchildren: Tiffany Jensen (Neal), Jason Peterson, Shayna Kramer (Brett), Eric Peterson (Carrie), Cory Peterson, and Kourtney (Zach) Orr; and great grandchildren: Jake Jensen, Cody Jensen, Alex Jensen, Kasey Kramer, Nick Kramer, Mikayla Kramer, Hannah Sholseth, Ashlyn Peterson, Cole Peterson, and Riley Peterson; nephew Terry Overturf (Janelle) and their daughter Kristy Lacy and her sons, Nate Lacy and Noah Lacy.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you Visiting Angels and Inspiration Hospice, especially to Corbyn, Dan, Kate, Jessica, and Teresa (and all the others) for their loving care and compassion. They also want thank to his fantastic neighbors Coy and Teresa as well as Miguel and Mary for their friendship, love, and care of Bud and Fran over many, many years.

In accordance with his wishes, his remains will be cremated and his ashes, along with his beloved Fran and their cat, “Boy” will be spread on the mountain they looked at each day from their kitchen window.

A private celebration of Bud’s life will be held by his family at a later date. He will be greatly missed, and will forever remain in our hearts. “Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.”