Big Al had a great run – passing away just four weeks shy of his 93rd birthday.
Albert Schock was born on a farm in eastern Montana near the town of Fallon. After losing the farm, Al, his two sisters, mom and dad all moved to Marsh. Here his father worked on the railroad; they soon moved to Colgate, Montana and the family of five lived in a boxcar converted to their home.
Al began his education at the German school in Marsh, attending 1st – 3rd grade where he learned to speak English. He completed 4th grade through graduation in Glendive, Montana, leaving home at the age of 13 to be able to play sports and continue his schooling in Glendive. He graduated from high school in 1947; football and track (high hurdles) were his two sports of choice and he excelled in both.
Al enlisted in the Army/Air Force in January 1948. He served four years, spending most of his time served in New York, with a year in England; he was one of the youngest Staff Sergeants. He played basketball in the Air Force and was part of the team when they were national champions.
After serving his country, Al attended Montana State beginning in the fall of 1951 and was a part of the football team. Here, he met Kay in 1952 which turned into an everlasting love. They married in 1953. Al graduated from Montana State in 1956 with an Electrical Engineering Degree.
General Electric in Schenectady, New York was the first stop for the Schock Family, Roanoke, Virginia was the next stop for the family with Al still employed at GE. They continued on, moving from Virginia to Schenectady again (with 2 boys in tow) then to Milwaukee with Louis Allis. From Milwaukee they made their way to Aurora, Colorado in 1959 where the last 2 Schock Boys arrived.
Al’s career took him to Reliance Electric in 1968 where he remained until he retired in the late 1980s and continued consulting in the mining industry for many more years. Throughout his years in Aurora, he enjoyed The Turnverein German Club, golfing, hunting, fishing, fly tying and brewing beer.
His love for custom carpentry, jewelry making, golf, photography, and coaching throughout the years leaves many beautiful pieces of furniture, bracelets and other projects with his family, making for many treasured memories. He was supportive of his sons, their spouses, grandkids and great grandkids.
Al’s legacy is extensive. He is survived by Kay, his wife of 68 years, daughter in law Dixie (Phoenix), sons Curt (Pam) Denver, Dale (Laurie) Tucson and Kent (Cecilia) Los Angeles.,. Al is loved and remembered by 14 grandkids and 16 great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Dean Alan.
Services will be held on Friday April 1st, at 10:00 am at Horan McConaty, 11150 E. Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80014. Reception to follow. Military Honors will be the same afternoon at 1:30 at Fort Logan. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can made to The Denver Hospice.
Actually Amy sent a ultra sound by video but I could not print it, anyway Amy is pregnant!
Marissa just had her boy in January and Kelly is due, too. Lots of grandbabies this year!!!!
