William David Brock
William David Brock
Ponte Vedra, Fla.
William David Brock of Ponte Vedra, Fla., passed away Dec. 6, 2022, at the age of 75.
Bill was born on May 7, 1947, in Sigourney, Iowa. He grew up in the town of South English, Iowa, and enjoyed his childhood in the close-knit community. He graduated from English Valleys High School in 1965, and then went to the University of Iowa to study political science and international studies. In 1970, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After training, he was stationed in San Diego, Calif., and was honorably discharged in 1974. He went back to the University of Iowa and earned his Bachelor of General Studies in 1975. Bill later earned a Master of Science from Iowa State University in 1989.
Bill met the love of his life, best friend and wife, Debby, on her first night as a freshman at the University of Iowa. They met at a dance and with the benefit of having his own car, a friendship developed and soon Bill and Debby started dating and were married for 54 incredible years.
Bill was an avid runner who took up the hobby while in the Navy and well before it was popular. He ran year round no matter how cold the weather was. Another passion of Bill’s was coaching soccer. He was honored to be a coach for his daughter’s soccer team from the age of eight until graduation from high school. He was the first to form an all girls team called the Ames Flames, which eventually went on to become the state champions. He was so proud of that team and all the accomplishments the girls achieved. One of his treasures he held close to his heart was a scrapbook made by the Ames Flames with pictures and stories of their successful years together. After high school, the girls would return to take part in the Iowa Games, where they continued their winning ways. He also coached his son and was a sideline help as the team grew older.
Bill was the biggest University of Iowa fan. No matter what was happening, time was set aside to attend or watch Iowa sports not only including football, basketball and wrestling, but anything pertaining to the university. He loved watching Formula One races and enjoyed a trip to Montreal to watch a live race.
Throughout his career, he worked as a photographer, a commercial pilot for Iowa State University and a flight instructor. He retired in 2006 as a consultant for Iowa Subway Development. In 2020 Bill and Debby moved to Ponte Vedra, Fla.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Oscar Brock and Doris Muriel (Schauff) Brock.
He is survived by his wife, Debby Brock; his children, Andy (Pam) Brock and Ashley Christiansen; his loving grandchildren, Renzo Christiansen, Ella and Grant Brock; brother, Mark (Carolyn) Brock and children, Marcus, Adam and Julie (Chris) Mayer; and relatives, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial will be held in Ames, Iowa, at a date to be determined in March. A private burial will take place in Sioux City, Iowa, after the memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.