Ron Kock

Ronald R. Kock, age 63, of Crooked Lake, Angola, and formerly of Auburn died Sunday, February 4, 2018.  He was born on February 3, 1955 in Garrett, Indiana to William “Willie” R. and Dolores M. (Soule) Kock.

Ron married Kathie J. (Reeves) Kock on August 23, 1975 in Garrett, Indiana.

Ron graduated from Garrett High School in 1973 and earned a two-year degree in civil engineering from Purdue University before deciding that his calling was to teach and coach.  Ron obtained his BS in education from Ball State University in 1978 and his MS in education from Indiana University in 1983.  

Ron was a teacher, coach, and athletic director at DeKalb Central United Schools for 35 years.  Ron was an assistant coach on DeKalb’s 1986 4A state championship team and head coach for the Barons’ 1994 4A state runner-up squad.  Ron stepped down as head football coach at DeKalb as the school’s all-time leader in wins (67) and win percentage (.788).  The Barons had a dominant run under Kock, going 50-6 from 1992-1996, including 28 straight regular season victories from 1994-96.  During that time, the Barons won five Northeast Hoosier Conference titles and 3 sectional titles.  Ron is a member of the Garrett High School Wall of Fame and he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2016.  Coach Kock always credited the Barons’ success to talented, hardworking athletes and a devoted coaching staff. 

Ron also enjoyed his time in the classroom, teaching 5th and 6th grade at McIntosh Elementary, then math at DeKalb Middle School and DeKalb High School.  Many of his students likely remember his positive attitude and practical jokes more than they remember their math.

Ron greatly appreciated his wife, Kathie, for her support through each football season’s long hours and many, many evening events at DHS. 

Ron and his family are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support over the last few months.

Survivors include:

His wife; Kathie Kock of Crooked Lake.

Son and daughter-in-law; Aaron and Emily (Turner) Kock of Munster, Indiana.

Son and daughter-in-law; Alex and Kendra (Ganz) Kock of Alexandria, Virginia.

Son; Adam Kock of Granger, Indiana.

3 grandsons; Theo Kock, Louis Kock and Nolan Kock. 

Sister and brother-in-law; Sharon and Tom Shafter of Garrett.

Sister and brother-in-law; Diane and Mike Hanson of Indianapolis.

Sister; Carol Easterday of Fort Wayne.

Sister and brother-in-law; Susie and Hulen Branscum of Garrett.

Brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Rick and Suzette Reeves of West Lafayette, Indiana.

Sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Laurie and Bill Muzzillo of Fort Wayne.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Dolores.

A gathering of friends and family will take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street in Auburn.

Funeral Services will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.

Private burial will take place at Christian Union Cemetery at Garrett, Indiana.

Memorials may be directed to DeKalb Baron Athletics, DeKalb High School, 3424 Co Rd 427, Waterloo, Indiana 46793 and the Eckhart Public Library Renovation Fund, in care of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, Inc., 700 South Main Street P.O. Box 111, Auburn, Indiana 46706.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.