He was the man, the myth, the legend - Robert Michael Bock.

Robert M. Bock, more widely known as Mike or "The Bock," was born on November 10, 1955, in Rockford, Illinois, to Robert Clifford Bock and Barbara Charlene Boliek. The second eldest of five children, Mike was unapologetically himself - full of personality, ornery in the best way, and never one to shy away from making people laugh. He loved a good story, a good joke, and creating memories with the people around him.

Mike proudly served in the US Navy. He was a lifelong lover of music and always eager to learn something new. Whether it was a guitar, keyboard, harmonica, or simply his own voice, he could often be found playing a familiar tune or experimenting with a new sound. When he wasn't making music, he enjoyed bringing his imagination to life through clay figurines, painting, spending time in his garden, or settling in to watch a good movie. He shared his love of music, art, and creativity generously with his children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends.

Mike first married Kellie Davies in 1987. Together they welcomed Tiffany Daylene Bise, born in Decatur, Illinois, and Christopher Michael Bock, born in Moberly, Missouri. Over the years, their family made homes in both Illinois and Missouri.

Later, Mike married Marsha Bock (Hayes) in Mexico, MO. Together, they created a home that was always open to others. It wasn't unusual for them to wake up and find their children's friends - or their unofficially adopted neighborhood kids - sleeping on couches, floors, or wherever space could be found. They became known for their Halloween parties, Christmas decorations, and, most importantly, for providing a home filled with trust, laughter, and love. The welcoming spirit they created became part of their legacy and has been passed on to their children and grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Boliek; father, Robert Bock; wife, Marsha E. Bock; sister, Pam; and his first granddaughter, Riley.

He is survived by his children: Christopher Adam Rossi of West Virginia, Joy Hayes (Brian) of Sturgeon, Missouri; Tiffany Bise (Justin) of Mexico, Missouri; Melody Freeman (Alex) of Bethesda, Maryland; and Christopher Bock (Sarah) of Macon, Missouri.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Emmett McCoy, Jordan McCoy, Brady McCoy, Braiden Bock, Julian Bock, Makenzee Freeman, Brooks Freeman, Tyler DuPont (Whitney), Remington Bise, Keighan Bise, Leland Hall, Ellie White, and Ashley DuPont; and his great-grandchildren: Oakley DuPont and Alayna DuPont.

His siblings – Debbie Mathias (Greg) of Blue Mound, IL; Charlene Houser (Rodney) of Decatur, IL; Bryan Bock of Decatur, IL. His best friends, Kevin and Carol Wilderman of Mt Sterling, IL, and lots of nieces, nephews and friends.

Mike will be remembered for his laughter, his music, his larger-than-life personality, and the way he made room for people - whether around a firepit, a garden or in his own living room. To know Mike was to have a story about him, and to love him was to know that life was always a little more interesting when The Bock was around.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Arnold Funeral Home with military honors to follow. Visitation is Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.