John Lynn Bock

Lynn was born on February 18, 1941, to John Ernst Bock and Lillian Johnson-Bock in the humble North Bricktown area of Chicago. Although family life was difficult, Lynn enjoyed a rich neighborhood life with local sports, apartment acquaintances, and close friends. It was during this time that he met his neighbor, Tom Schoenberg, who would become his lifelong best friend and confidant. It was also through his apartment life that he would meet adult neighbor Magdalene (Marge) Green who would act as part-time babysitter while his mother worked full time to support him and his sister. This relationship would lead to the introduction of Marge to Lynn’s uncle, Chester Johnson, who later married Marge and became a stable, fatherly figure for Lynn throughout his formative years.

After Lynn graduated from Lane Tech College Prep in 1958, he joined the Illinois National Guard. During his training at Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Bliss he learned the only truly dubious life lesson he enjoyed passing on to his children: “When someone gives you a job you don’t like, if you really screw it up the first time, they’ll never ask you to do it again.”

Lynn attended Northwestern University for undergraduate college and was accepted to the prestigious business school at University of Chicago. During these years he also faced the personal struggle of chronic illness that severely restricted his activity. He persevered, completed his MBA, and became a licensed CPA. He began his career as an auditor for Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, and Co, and was later recruited to the real estate trust of Baird and Warner in Chicago, eventually becoming trust treasurer.

In 1965, Lynn’s life changed forever when he met Ann O’Donnell on a blind date set up by his co-worker (and future brother-in-law), Jack McCarthy. Lynn and Ann were married on June 6, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. Their marriage produced many years of happiness and four children who benefitted from Lynn and Ann’s intelligent, moral, and spiritual upbringing.

In his career, Lynn built an acumen of sharp financial insight, attention to detail, and an ethical approach. When economic challenges swept prospects away, Lynn rallied to search his horizons and bravely set out to pursue opportunities. Lynn’s career spanned Illinois, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and comprised multiple successful companies who benefitted from his experience and insight in hotel financing, acquisition, and management.

Lynn enjoyed golfing, fishing, and steadfastly hoping for the success of his beloved Chicago Cubs. While his children had more realistic expectations for the Cubs, they loved playing golf with him at Biltmore Country Club in Barrington, Illinois, Tallgrass Country Club in Wichita, Kansas and later at Deer Creek Golf Club in Overland Park, Kansas. The children also spent many hours fishing with him at Honey Lake, even if it meant sneaking in under the chain link fence when Lynn forgot which day the beach was closed.

As Lynn transitioned to retirement, his grandkids became an area of enthusiasm and a great source of pride. In addition to sharing his love for golf, fishing, and food with them, he was frequently in search of ways to improve his home in Edmond, Oklahoma to provide a fun getaway for his family. Whether it was a new popcorn machine, pool toy, television, outdoor sound system, or shake blender, “Papa Lynn” was always eager to share his discovery with the grandkids. He and Ann were also steadfast and enthusiastic fans of all their grandkids' activities, whether sports or academic in nature. His school spirit wear for his grandkids’ activities became an impressive collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats!

Lynn was an honest and contemplative soul who always sought to improve himself for the benefit of those around him. It wasn’t uncommon during a big family event for Lynn to stroll off just before the start, often because he remembered some household or financial task that needed tending. His family would then search the house to corral him back so the celebration could begin. It is certain that at the high point of the next Bock family gathering we will all find ourselves glancing around for him, reflexively wondering if he has wandered back to his office to pay a bill. It will be then that we will remember this gentle husband and father has truly, sadly left us. We hope that in those moments we can find comfort in each other and the knowledge that missing him is evidence of the love we shared.

Lynn is survived by this deeply loved and devoted wife of 55 years, Ann, his four children, Eileen Balch (Scot), Brian Bock (Colleen), Maureen Welsh (Ryan), Sean Bock (Meredith), ten grandchildren (Genevieve Bock, Sean Bock, Kaelyn Balch, Ashlyn Anderson, Hannah Balch, Colin Welsh, Tanner Welsh, Katheryn Welsh, Lauryn Welsh, and Reid Bock) and sister, Beverly Bock.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 6 at 10:30 am at Church of the Ascension Catholic Parish in Overland Park, Kansas with burial service immediately following at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a memorial contribution in Lynn’s name to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago at www.bgcc.org.

Please find the service livestream at https://kcascension.org/ on Saturday, August 6 at 10:30 am.