Following his second battle with cancer, Larry “Joe” Bullock, 78, of Maquoketa, IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at his home with his family by his side. His abiding faith and courage was a lesson for all of us. 

Joe was born on March 11, 1946, in Maquoketa. He was the eighth of ten children born to Dwight and Pauline (Hardin) Bullock. He grew up in a small house on Matteson Street, in a neighborhood full of children, many of them becoming his lifelong friends. 

Joe attended First Ward and Briggs elementary schools. He was a proud member of the Maquoketa High School class of 1964, where he held leadership roles, excelled in sports, and was named Homecoming King. He often reminisced that growing up in the 50’s and 60’s shaped his life. 

Following the example set by his parents, Joe’s unwavering work ethic was established at a very young age. He began driving truck in High School, and following graduation, he joined his dad and brothers in the family trucking business, which began humbly in 1938 with one truck. The business became known as Bullocks Inc. after incorporating in 1970. It eventually expanded into grain marketing and storage. He worked tirelessly to help grow the business over his lifetime. “Retirement” was never in his vocabulary. 

On December 17, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Riley, at the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. The Reverend Harold C. Kumpf officiated the ceremony. Together, they created a life full of cherished memories. They were blessed with two children, Joseph Michael and Kristine Kathryn. They built a house on a small acreage north of Maquoketa, where they have resided for over fifty years.

 Their shared love of antiques allowed for many years of collecting as a common goal. But Joe’s passion was classic and antique cars, and he possessed several over his lifetime. However, one of his proudest purchases was his first new automobile at the age of nineteen – a ’65 Pontiac Bonneville, replacing his trusty old ’51 Plymouth. 

For many years, Joe was an avid golfer, once scoring the elusive hole-in-one. Many competitive rounds were played with his golfing companions. However, his time on the course faded following a major wrist injury and surgeries. And, very soon, grandchildren came along and took precedence over the game.

 He devoted the rest of his life to making those grandchildren the center of his attention. Life shined brighter when he gained the title of “Papa”, and more recently, “Great Papa”. He was a constant source of encouragement in their achievements. He took much pride and joy in attending their many activities and events, and cherished every opportunity to spend time with each of them.

 Visits to Papa and Grammy’s house were always made extra special. Joe transformed the machine shed into a temporary gymnasium that provided countless hours of fun and friendly “cousin competition”. He loved being the “chauffeur” during their visits, with a grandchild or two on his lap in the tractor; or perched behind him on a four-wheeler; or being pulled in a wagon or on a sled, all providing hours of fun and laughter. Katie, Mason, Sam, Adam and Lexi will miss him dearly; his presence, his generosity, his love and gentle guidance. Precious memories of their beloved Papa will remain in their hearts forever, and his legacy will live on through each of them.

 Joe was a man of faith and an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa where, over the years, he served on numerous committees, as well as two different terms as president of the congregation. He was recently named Honorary Co-Chair of the congregation’s current 100th Anniversary Committee. His time and commitment became limited due to his declining health.

 For years he voluntarily drove for the Maquoketa Community Cupboard, and occasionally helped with their snow removal. Before his cancer diagnosis, he was a long-time blood donor. He enjoyed many years of bellringing for the Salvation Army during the holidays.

Joe earned the respect and gratitude of many. His knowledge of the grain business was well known, and his marketing advice was often requested. He and Linda acquired full ownership of Bullocks Inc. in 2002. The fleet and transportation portion of the business was expanded. In 2015, they received the annual Friends of Agriculture Agri-Business Award, presented by the Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce and the Maquoketa Rotary Club. Together, they continued to grow the company, which now includes their son, proudly paving the way for future generations to carry on its respected place in the Ag Community. 

Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of nearly 59 years, Linda; His children, Joseph (Jennifer) Bullock of Bettendorf, IA, Kristine (A.J.) Loss of Bettendorf, IA, His five grandchildren; Katie (Logan Boeh) Bullock, Adam (MacKenzie Clark) Bullock, Mason (Emma Pease) Loss, Sam (Maddie Baltazor) Loss, and Lexi Loss; one great granddaughter, June Loss; His siblings; Bonnie Maxey of Chesterfield, MO, Bill (Darlene Gleason) Bullock of Bellevue, IA, Connie (Bill) Caven of Highlands Ranch, CO, Jerry (Dot) Bullock of Maquoketa, IA , Linda Lahann of Long Grove, IA, Nancy Longwell of Arvada, CO, Barb (Steve) Wright of Davenport, IA, and Mary Lundeen of Highlands Ranch, CO; His in-laws John Stein of Hartland, MI, Janet Rollinger of Maquoketa, IA, Sheryle Riley of Dubuque, IA, Phyllis Riley of Bloomington, IN, Sharon Bullock of Des Moines, IA and Dianna and Eugene Block of Maquoketa, IA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Pauline Bullock, sister Judy Stein, brothers-in-law Don Maxey, Gary Lundeen, Barry Lahann, Warren Longwell, Lawrence Riley, Herbert Riley and Joseph Rollinger; two nieces, Lori Riley and Kelly Block-Davidson.

 A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, December 7, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, December 6, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Burial will be at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the medical team at the MercyOne Cancer Center and the MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque, as well as to Hospice of Jackson County for the amazing care and concern shown to Joe.

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Maquoketa, Hospice of Jackson County, or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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