Kock, Ulrich 1893-1958

KOCK, LUBBEN, PECKS, LEE, JANSSEN

Posted By: Glenna Rice, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/31/2012 at 13:16:02

Ulrich Kock Dies of Bullet

Ulrich Kock, 65, well known LeMars Property owner and a former employee of the LeMars county club, was found dead in the kitchen of his home Friday after neighbors noticed that nobody was stirring around the house and called the police.

Coroner S. H. Luken said he had apparently killed himself between 9 and 10 a.m. Friday with a shot in the mouth with a .22 caliber rifle.

The bullet ranged upward and entered his brain.

The coroner said the victim had left no note and that no motive was definitely known. However, friends say that Mr. Kock was depressed over the serious sickness of his wife who some time ago underwent a radical operation.

The shot may have been heard by neighbors who thought it was a firecracker or a backfire from a car. When they noticed that his mail had not been taken in they investigated and found the victim dead on the kitchen floor.

Mr. Kock was born March 19, 1893 in Germany. He came to the United States about 50 years ago and settled near LeMars where he farmed for many years. He retired to LeMars. Mrs. Kock, who survives, was the former Anna Lubben.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 4, at the Little Chapel in Sioux Center, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Harold Tegtmeier of St. John's American Lutheran church in LeMars officiating. Burial was in LeMars under the direction of the Sioux Center Burial Association. (Funeral services were private.)

Survivors include the widow: three daughters and three sons; Clarence Kock of LeMars; Gerhard of Craig and John of Sioux Falls: Mrs. George (Irene) Lee and Mrs. Bernard (Margaret) Pecks of LeMars and Mrs. William (Marie) Janssen of Wilmar, Minnesota. There are thirteen grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Harm Kock, killed in action in World War 2 in January, 1944.

LeMars Globe Post
Monday August 4, 1958; page 1, colunm 3
LeMars, Plymouth, Iowa