Kristian Wock
courtesy photo
Kristian Wock
POLSON — The sadness is overwhelming as we announce the passing of our son and brother, Kristian John Wock at his home in Maryland on Sept. 21. Kristian was born Aug. 6, 1980, to Keith and Toni Wock. His sister Amber was born Oct. 10, 1982, and made the family complete.
He always said he had the perfect childhood, growing up on the shores of Flathead Lake in Big Arm. His best buddy was his little sister. They had a fun, a competitive childhood filled with shenanigans; one of which included running away from home to the barn up the lane with backpacks filled with snacks at the ages of 6 and 4. He once hid under the porch of the house because he didn’t think it was bedtime and had all the neighbors searching for him in the dark, worrying he’d fallen into the lake, even though he could swim like a fish. Someone heard him giggle as they passed by. The evening didn’t end well for him, needless to say.
He enjoyed time spent on his grandparents’ farm, doing artwork with Grandma and guy stuff, like blowing up stumps with dynamite with Grampa, and swimming and fishing in their trout pond. Trips to see family in North Dakota and Wyoming were yearly highlights. He was a member of the Boy Scouts, the high school band and the cross country team in high school, where he made friendships that lasted throughout his life. He loved hunting, fishing, skiing, and boating with his family.
After graduating from high school, he started his Navy career, of which he was extremely proud. He commented he only passed the gas mask test because of he and friends bear-spraying each other in high school. Due to his kind, fun, and giving nature, he has a huge Navy family. That family is now our family too. The out pouring of love and kindness from all his shipmates is incredible. He was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Lexington Park, Maryland. After moving from Hawaii to Maryland in 2015, he advanced to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, an event that he said was the most difficult thing he’d ever done, both physically and mentally. He was so proud to have made it. He was E-2D Division Leading Chief Petty Officer at the time of his passing. His awards include Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, five Good Conduct Medals, and various unit, service and campaign awards. He helped found a new chapter of a Veterans’ Motorcycle Club this year, and loved cruising with his friends and fellow vets on his Harley “Maria.” He was a number one Cowboys fan, which shows in the décor of his home and vehicles. He had a big fondness for cars, evidenced in his jacked up Chevy truck and his ‘71 Chevelle, known as the “Fuvelle.” The things we hear from his fellow sailors and friends is what a great mentor he was to incoming sailors. He could be either stern, yet kind, or just funny and a good friend. He was there for everyone no matter what they needed. He was a kind and sensitive man who gave the best hugs ever.
From all the messages we are getting from around the country, he was greatly admired and loved. We only wish he realized how much, and had reached out for the help he needed. We love you to infinity Kristian, peace be with you.
He was preceded in death by his father, Keith; maternal grandparents, Nancy Fee Baker, and Ronald and Neva Tollefson; paternal grandfather, John Wock; and his uncle Keane Wock.
Kristian is survived by his mother, Toni Wock; his sister, Amber (Jesse) Sturgis; his nephew, Quin; his paternal grandmother, Shirley Self; his honorary grandmother, Betty Rice, his uncles, Greg (Sue) Tollefson, and Wayne (Tonda) Wock; his aunts, Darci (Rod) Henry, Gail (Vic) Halter, Doreen (Bob) Clark, Gwen (Carrie) Wock, and Sheila (Carlos) Huff.
Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at The Lake Funeral Home at 3 p.m., with full military honors at Lakeview Cemetery and a reception to follow.
