Blaine Owen Bock, 86, passed away on May 11, 2026, proving that even the toughest mechanic eventually runs out of road—though he made it a hell of a ride.

Born in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Mildred (Owen) and Wilmer Bock, Blaine grew up in rural Baldwin where he attended country school and learned that stubbornness, hard work, and the ability to fix anything with baling wire and determination would carry you through life. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1957 and served his country in the Army Reserves.

Prior to purchasing Bock’s Texaco and Towing on East Platt Street in Maquoketa, Blaine worked at Small’s 66 and Dude’s 66 stations. But the best decision he ever made wasn’t buying a gas station—it was marrying the love of his life, Mary Anderson, on September 4, 1965.

In 1973, Blaine and Mary traded fuel pumps and tow trucks for farmland, purchasing a farm where they worked side by side for the next 40 years. When he semi-retired, he ran the farm on shares with a great family and opened West Side Repair, because apparently “retirement” to Blaine meant just working on his own terms.

Blaine was a proud member of the Farm Bureau, Jackson County Pork Producers, and the United Methodist Church. But his real pride and joy was being an original founding member of the Coronado Car Club, founded in 1959. The club’s 1953 Studebaker was the star of the show, and in his younger years, Blaine tore up the Cordova racetrack drag racing that beauty. He never lost his love for classic cars, good machinery, and anything with an engine he could tinker with.

An avid Iowa Hawkeye sports fan, Blaine’s love for the Black and Gold ran deep. He also supported local Maquoketa sports teams and was a familiar face in the stands. He passed that passion on to his daughters, teaching them not just to watch the game, but to truly love sports.

Blaine never met a stranger. Seriously—he’d strike up a conversation with a fence post if it stood still long enough. Whether you needed car advice, farming wisdom, or just someone to chew the fat with, Blaine was your guy. He had opinions, stories that got longer every time he told them, and a laugh that filled the room.

Blaine is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary; his daughter Marisa (Matt) Heefner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; four grandchildren, Devon Foley of Boston, Massachusetts, Ryan Foley of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Jace Heefner and Jack Heefner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; son-in-law Kevin Foley of Plymouth, Massachusetts; sister Beverly Beachler of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sisters-in-law Marcia (Phil) Hardy of Decorah, Iowa, Madeline (Terry) Widel of Maquoketa, Iowa, Jean Anderson of Fort Madison, Iowa, and PK Anderson of North Liberty, Iowa; brothers-in-law Mark Anderson and Marvin Owen Anderson of Maquoketa, Iowa; 11 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Mildred Bock; in-laws Marvin and Helen Anderson; brother Larry Bock; sister Marlis Horgen; sister-in-law Fran Bock; brothers-in-law Ronald Anderson, Leroy Anderson, Philip Anderson, and Darryl Horgen; his beloved daughter Michele Foley; niece Hillary Lynch; nephew Steve Bock; and great-nephew Nolan Anderson.

A celebration of Blaine’s life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, May 23, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Friday, May 22, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A private family burial will be held at a later date at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa. In lieu of flowers, do something Blaine would approve of:  fix something that’s broken, help a neighbor, take a spin in a classic car, or just stop and talk to someone—he’d have wanted that.

Blaine lived life on his own terms, loved fiercely, worked hard, and never left anyone wondering where they stood with him. He’ll be missed by everyone who knew him—which, let’s be honest, was just about everybody.

Rest easy, Blaine. You earned it.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.