Kenneth A. Brock

Kenneth A. Brock, 94, of Springdale passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. He was born February 16, 1923 in Frontenac, Kansas to Joseph B. and Nellie Coffey Brock. Ken was forced to grow up quickly, as his father died in a coal mining accident when he was only 12, and helped his mom and grandma raise his younger twin sisters, along with his cousin. He graduated from Frontenac High School in 1941 but never gave up his love for the black and white. He was a proud member of the John F. Derby Frontenac American Legion. He served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Hornet as a refrigeration first mate. Upon returning from his tour of duty in the Pacific, he married Kathleen Kierl Brock on July 24, 1945 and they were married for 65 years until her passing in 2010. He attended Pittsburg State University, earning a bachelor's degree in education, and had a huge collection of gorillas to show for it. In addition to teaching history, industrial arts, and driver's education, he coached football, track and basketball for several years in Weir, Kansas. Ken worked with Prudential Insurance Company for 32 years, which brought him to Springdale, Arkansas in 1969. He was an avid Razorback fan and founded the Arkansas Razorback Swatters Club, where he was affectionately nicknamed "The Senator". He was a lifetime board member of Pagnozzi Charities, and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club. He loved fishing and bird hunting. He was also a member of the USS Hornet Association and enjoyed yearly reunions, including the most recent one held in Kansas City, Missouri this past September. Ken relished the fact that he was of Irish and Italian descent, and had an ultimate love for God, family, and country. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathleen Brock; one son Joe Brock; one daughter, Karen Brock Renneker; an infant son, Kenneth A. Brock Jr.; two sisters, Donna Gintner and Deloris Mary Brock; and one son-in-law, Mike Renneker. Survivors include two sons, Kenny Brock and wife Kelly of Independence, Missouri and Jeff Brock of Springdale; two daughters, Katherine Boeckman and husband Jerry of Scammon, Kansas and Vicki Sargent and husband Steve of Springdale; one daughter-in-law, Diana Brock of Bedford, Texas; one sister, Joann Knaup of Pittsburg, Kansas; eleven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends. Pallbearers include: Michael Brock, David Brock, Kenny Boeckman, Christopher Boeckman, Bob Brock and Shawn Johnson. Honorary pallbearers include: Norm DeBriyn, Mike Henry, Hank Taylor, Pete Esch, Mike Pearce, Tom Bevins and Gus Bosetti. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 27, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Raphael's Catholic Church with Rev. John Connell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Tontitown. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with a Rosary beginning at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the following organizations: Pagnozzi Charities, 100 E. Poplar, Ste. A, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703, 479-443-2550 http://pagnozzicharities.org/ or Springdale Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 652, Springdale, Ark. 72765, 501-510-0575 http://www.springdale.kiwanisone.org/. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.