William V. Rock (1851-1931)

ROCK

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/13/2008 at 18:13:21

WILLIAM V. ROCK 1851- 1931
Dies After Long Illness

William V. Rock pioneer citizen of Avoca passed away at his home in Avoca Sunday morning, November1 (1931), having reached the venerable age of 80 years, 7 months, and 13 days.

For the past 16 months the angel of death has hovered over his bed. Mr. rock has not only been helpless to move himself but has been unable to speak for many weary months.

William Rock, son of Frederick Rock and his wife, Louise nee Schnare, was born in the province of Waldek, Prussia, March 19, 1851. He attended the public school in his fatherland until the age of 15, when he and his brother, Fred, bade relatives and friends, also their native land farewell and came to America in the year 1868. They made their first location far into the interior of the continent. Mr. Rock was employed for four years as a farm laborer in Scott county, Iowa, and about a similar period in Clinton county. Having saved his earning he was enabled in 1873 to buy 160 acres of the then still wild Pottawattamie county land.

On March 9, 1875, Mr. Rock was united in marriage to Louisa Freese, a daughter of Ludwig and Wilhelmina Freese. This happy union was blessed with ten children, three having preceded their father in death. Fred, attaining the age of 17 while Oscar and Ella died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. William V. Rock remained on their farm until March 21, 1929, since that time they have resided in their present home in Avoca. Mr. Rock was not only found active on his own farm but also in nearly every worthwhile community enterprise. He has filled a number of positions and has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. As his parents, so also his family was ever affiliated with the Lutheran church, having been baptized and confirmed in his fatherland.

Thos who remain to mourn his death are his widow; two daughters: Minnie, wife of Henry T. Rock of Avoca; Christina, who is still at home helping to care for her parents; five sons: Henry H., Albert, and Louie who are all farming in the Avoca community, Walter also still at home, and Clarence who is in the hardware business in Avoca. His sisters also one brother, Fred, have preceded him in death; three brothers survive: Carl, who is still in Waldek, Germany and Christ V and Henry V. of Avoca: 16 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Four years ago last August Mr. Rock had a stroke which left his right side somewhat lame, but not to such an extent that he could not get about and engaged in active work. A year ago last June, while attending the annual Rock family reunion held in Grand Mound, Iowa, he had a second stroke which made his condition alarming. Thus for the last 16 months he was helpless, not only failing to have the strength to move his own body but also to speak and make known his desires. Those who have known Mr. Rock for years, only know what a cross alone his not being able to speak was. The many light strokes which he suffered only he and his Father know; he suffered another stroke which caused his death the following Sunday.

Though strong and active all his life, yet weak and helpless he left this world and so many we learn the sermon of life, ‘tis in the hand of God that we live, move and have our being.

Funeral services were held at the Evangelical Lutheran church at Avoca Tuesday afternoon, November 3, with his pastor, Rev. Joseph Gerit, in charge. Interment was made in the Avoca cemetery.

Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rock, Charles Rock, Ed Rock, Rinehart Rock, Louis Rock, Fritz C. Rock, Miss Louisa Rock all of Grand Mound, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Rusch of De Wit(?), Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Rock, Christ W. Rock, Mrs. Minnie Wunder, and Herbert Rock of Dixon, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mients, Mr. and Mrs. Gus Greve, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kronenberg of Davenport, Iowa.
William Kronenberg and August Otto of Walcott, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Christ Rock and son, Louis Bruene, Fritz K. Rock, Louis Herbold, William Herbold, Fritz Rock, Mrs. Anna Bohle and Misses Dora and Pearl Bohle of Pierson, Iowa.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald