John Gorden "Gordy" Schock, of Amery, WI died peacefully at Willow Ridge on July 8, 2017 after a short, but courageous battle, with cancer. He was 91 years and 10 months old.

Gordy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth; his children, Denise (John) Wright of St. Croix Falls, Jan (Kim) Schock of Rice Lake, Oralee Schock of Amery, and Todd (Mona) Schock of Amery; seven grandchildren: Briana, Kiel, Kate, Bryndan, Ryan, Broden, and Grace; sister Sylvia Waalen; the extended Austvold family; countless other loving family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter; older sisters and brother-in-laws Margaret (Harmon) Teppen and Emelia (Wilmar) Larson; twin sister Ruth Inez (Earl) Thompson; brother-in-law John Waalen; son-in-law Michael Austvold.

Gordy was born to Nelisena Ragnhild Maroy and John Alexander Schock on September 26, 1925 on the family farm in Amery, WI. Excelling in both academics and athletics, he graduated from Amery High School in 1944. After high school, Gordy was offered a scholarship in both football and track at UW-Madison. However, after a short time in Madison, he returned home to help on the family farm. In 1945, he enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed in Michigan, but he returned home after severely injuring his knee. In 1946, he enrolled at UW-River Falls, where he remained for three years. During his time there, he was a football standout, and he eventually signed a contract to play football professionally with the Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately, his father got cancer, so Gordy was asked to leave college to take over the management of both farms. He purchased the original Schock homestead from his Uncle Christ, which has been in the Schock family name since 1880.

On Friday, August 19, 1949, Gordy married Ruth Jeanette Swenson at West Emmanuel Church. In 1955, they moved to the homestead Gordy purchased. He continued farming until he was 63. He sold the milking cows in 1987, and Gordy raised beef cattle for another 15 years. He held a longtime love of horses and enjoyed riding with family and neighbors. In 1989, Gordy and Ruth purchased their home in Mesa, Arizona. They enjoyed many winters there with family and friends.
Gordy frequently enjoyed fishing with his neighbor, Glen Sather, and Pastor Paul Baardseth. He was also an excellent athlete. He participated in football, basketball, boxing, and track. He was very proud of his high school and college accomplishments, and he took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He also played an active role in the lives of his nieces and nephews. In addition, Gordy's Norwegian heritage was extremely important to him. He and Ruth made five trips to Norway to visit his numerous first cousins and their families. Gordy was an active member of the Sons of Norway affiliation.

A celebration of his life will start with Visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 14th at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15th at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Amery, WI. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be made to the Wappogasset Lutheran Bible Camp and the American Cancer Association.