Robert "Bob" Hock

Robert H. "Bob" Hock, age 76 of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the CentraCare Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota, after a long but courageous battle with cancer.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 17 at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Freeport with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 19 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Robert “Bob” Henry Hock was born as the eldest son to parents, Robert H. Hock and Grace Mundon on July 10, 1947, in Escanaba, Michigan. At two years old his family moved to Texas where Bob spent his childhood.  Bob lived a full life with his wife, Doris, of 41 years. He pursued a career as an engineer and pioneer in the technical field for many years. He was also both proud and humble of his military career in the Air Force where he served a tour in the Vietnam War.

Bob loved many things. He had a passion for learning and discovering new things and regurgitating information. He was always interested in technology and having the latest and greatest gadgets to tinker with. This extended into an interest of purchasing cars and properties over the years. Bob also enjoyed fishing, especially catch and release, so they could get bigger for him to catch the next time. If there happened to be a Nascar race on TV, you can bet that Bob would be watching it. You might also find him reading a good book in his favorite chair.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Doris Ann Hock (Ettel); son, Robert (Kori) Hock; grandson, Joey; brothers, Johnny and Tommy Hock; brothers-in-law, Fred (Judy) Ettel, Dick Ettel, Linus (Geri) Ettel, Gary Ettel, Mark (Michelle) Ettel; sisters-in-law, Judy Merwin, Mary Shoemaker and Terri (Chris) Ellering; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. Hock and Grace Mundon; brothers, Billy and Ronnie Hock; parents-in-law, Al and Lori Ettel; brothers-in-law, Dave Merwin and Larry Shoemaker; and an infant niece, Amelia Ettel.

The family thanks the doctors, nurses and all the healthcare workers for taking care of Bob on his cancer journey. His will to live was extraordinary and he fought an incredible fight. He will be missed.