Donald Dale Hock

Donald D. Hock, age 91, went to his heavenly home peacefully on Friday, January 7, 2022. He was born on June 19, 1930 in New Carlisle, IN to the late John Henry and Naomi (Carr) Hock.

Donald graduated from Riley High School in South Bend in 1949. While he attended school, he was also the paperboy for the Notre Dame coach, Frank Leahy, and he worked at the Flemings Ice Cream Shop as a soda jerk. Donald also was employed at the Studebaker Corporation in 1948 as an inspector, where his father also worked for many years.

Donald served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War.

On December 3, 1955, Donald married the love of his life, Ruth (Pendl) and resided in the Chicago area until he retired and moved to Granger, IN.

Donald attended the Allied Institute of Technology and graduated with a “Bachelor of Tool Engineering” Degree in January 1958. He was employed at Underwriters Laboratories in 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, which later moved to Northbrook, Illinois. He started in the stock room, moved up to supervisor, and after 40 years of employment, he retired in 1995 as assistant manager.

Donald really enjoyed sports. He loved playing sandlot ball growing up with his buddies. That passion continued throughout his life. He was a huge fan of baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and golf. His favorite college football team was the Michigan Wolverines. He loved watching the games.

Donald enjoyed getting to know people and learn about their life. He was always interested in knowing what was happening in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a very strong faith and was fully committed to the Lord. He spent time every day reading and studying his Bible. He was such a good communicator, and knew just how to deal with people. He had a very calm and optimistic personality. He was a very likable man. Everyone liked him.

Donald is survived by his wife, Ruth (Pendl) Hock, along with five children: Pamela (Bob) Walta of Pelham, AL; Carrie Van Norman of Cheyenne, WY; Jan Hock of Granger, IN; Scott (Kim) Hock of McCalla, AL; and Tim (Jen) Hock of South Bend, IN. In addition, Donald is survived by eight grandchildren: David (Lindsey), Ryan (Allison), Brandon, Kevin, Andrew, Matthew, Kennedy, and Kamdyn; and five great-grandchildren: Brayden, Callie Ann, Amelia, Caitlin, and Eleanora. Also surviving are Donald’s sisters, Mary Ruth Fenzau and Konnie Broaddus; and a brother, Jim Hock. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen Oman, and his brother, John Francis Hock.

Donald was a member of Community Baptist Church in South Bend, IN.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. Jim Hock and Craig Pendl will be officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. Visitation with friends and family will be held from 12:00-2:00pm on Friday at the funeral home prior to the service.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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