Vincent was the 8th child born of 12. Born at home on the farm northeast of Trail City, SD on November 5, 1939 Vincent grew up working on his family farm. He left home at an early age where he began working with a local Veterinarian, Doc Azelton. He had a love for animals and was introduced to flying with Doc. The Azelton’s became like a second family to him. He worked and was trained under Doc as well as lived with them for several years.
Vincent graduated from high school in Mobridge and it was there that the nickname Bock first stuck. He attended college in Brookings, SD and was a rodeo cowboy all through high school. He was High School Champion bull rider in 1957, bareback, and All-Around Champion Cowboy in 1959. His first saddle was the one he won with the bareback, and All-around title. He was very proud of that Saddle. Vincent graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor degree of animal science and competed in Rodeos throughout the west during his time away from school.
In 1966 he enlisted into the Army and graduated Officer Candidate School. He married Patricia Landis on September 6, 1969. They have 4 children: Richard (8/1970), Theresa (1/1973), Marie (11/1974), and Michael (2/1976). Vincent made the Army his career as a pilot, trained in fixed wing and helicopters (Rotary). He served in Vietnam war and was shot down in 1968 While on that leave he met Patricia. He was awarded many medals for his duty in Vietnam, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He
also, was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and three Purple Hearts. During his Army career, they were
stationed in AL, TX, Germany, Il, WA, CA, and CO. Vincent retired from the Military in 1985 and chose Colorado to settle. He got back in the air working for Federal Express with Corporate Air and went into full retirement in 1998. In retirement, he continued to enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and golfing. Vincent was a true family man that enjoyed time with family and especially his grandchildren. He attended any sport event or program his grandkids were a part of. Vincent was inducted into the All Cowboy and Arena Champions Hall of Fame in October 2017. Throughout all events in life, Vincent measured his actions with his deep Catholic faith.
Friends and family had to twist his arm to receive recognition for his life achievements. He was a quiet fearless hero; a loving husband, father, and Grandfather who never met a stranger. He would sit and talk with anyone who had the time to spare in sharing and listening to stories, especially about flying or
golf. He lit up a room with his joy for life and his laughter and humor that he found in all situations, a
truly genuine man. Vincent is survived by his wife Patricia Aberle- Hudson, CO, Children: Richard (Sara) Aberle- Thornton, CO, Theresa (Stephen) Schreck - Colleyville, TX, Marie (Scott) Davis- Niwot, CO and Michael (Ingrid) Aberle - Brighton, CO; Grandchildren: Aaron, Alexander, Noah, Sawyer; Annelisa, Byron; Rhett, and Taylor, Madison and Kyler; Nine siblings: Elvira (ED) Buzicky- Minneapolis, MN, Andrew (Keva) Aberle- Timber Lake, SD, Al (Janice) Aberle- Promise, SD, Marian (Bob) Gilbert- Peoria, AZ, Ramona (Blaine) Young- Rapid City, SD, Lawrence (Louise) Aberle- Las Vegas, NV, Rita (Larry) Roberdeau- Rapid City, SD, Annette (Bob) North- Niceville, FL and Janice Abel- WA.
He was preceded in death by parents Andrew and Frances and brothers Dennis and Gene.
