Shirley Bock

A celebration of Shirley Bock’s life was held at The Church of God in Isabel on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Shirley Ann Disbrow was born June 27, 1948 to William (Bill) John and Erma Doris (Hansen) Disbrow in Sioux Falls.

Being the eldest of 10 children she often was responsible to help with the many household chores and looking after her siblings. Her disciplinary action of choice was to present her parents with a list of names, any wrong doings or disrespect, and leave any further correction to them.

Shirley grew up in Sioux Falls and was a member of the first graduating class of Lincoln Senior High. During her high school years she worked part time as an administrative assistant for an insurance company. She enjoyed bookkeeping and secretarial duties.

At a young age Shirley knew she had a calling to ministry. Shortly after graduation she accepted her calling and she and her lifetime best friend, Verla Judd (Sporer) took the summer to travel holding revivals throughout South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. They both knew that God had a special purpose in sharing the gospel and decided to enroll in Bible Training Institute in California. Upon graduation they both continued in church ministry.

Shirley’s good friend LouAnn Bock and her then Pastor Albert Bock were convinced she should connect with a young man named Delbert Bock. She was already quite smitten with his military picture when she actually met this handsome bachelor. After a few dates, a kiss and an Elvis Presley song, “This Magic Moment,” their relationship blossomed, and they were 

married August 16, 1969.

By this time Shirley was already a licensed minister with The Church of God. She had accepted a pastoral position, and they moved to Pierre right after their wedding. Soon her new husband realized God was also calling him to ministry. Together they partnered in Pastoral leadership in Pierre, Hazen, ND and Isabel. Additionally she served alongside her husband as First Lady and Bishop Regional Overseer for several years which allowed them to travel throughout the mid-western states and Canada.

While raising three children, Shirley faithfully continued to pastor, teach and share God’s word with others. In addition to her local church commitments, she directed summer camps, coordinated retreats and frequently spoke at special events and conferences.

Her gift of hospitality brought many people into their home where they enjoyed her cooking and baking skills. She even learned how to process wild game from her husband’s hunting adventures.

Throughout their marriage there were challenging moments when Delbert had a serious accident. With multiple surgeries and rehab she stayed by his side helping to nurse him back to health while pregnant with their second child.

These past years offered her biggest challenge as she was overcome with Alzheimer’s. Her family watched as the disease distanced her from them. Her husband and children took care to meet her needs until it was no longer possible and she moved into Five Counties Nursing Home Memory Care in Lemmon, where she was lovingly cared for. She continued to smile and a gentle touch was a reminder of God’s love within.

On Sunday, January 11, Shirley was welcomed into Heaven by those waiting to greet her - husband Delbert; parents Bill and Erma; parents-in-law Albert and Rachel; sisters LuBertha Lynn and Brenda Sue; niece Carry Beth; and brother-in-law David Bock.

Shirley is survived by sons Brian Keith (Joni) Bock of Black Hawk and Kendal Michael (Kimberly) Bock of Harrisburg; daughter Teresa Lynn (Terry) Russell of Isabel; grandson Trevor Russell; and many extended family members.

Grateful to have shared a life well-lived with their “big sister” are Shirley’s surviving siblings and their families: Connie Disbrow and Wm John Disbrow, both in Tennessee; Shelia Dickens, Cassius Disbrow, Bruce Disbrow, and Gloria Flatmoe, all in South Dakota; and Kurtis Disbrow in Maryland. She was blessed in life with 20 nieces and nephews and 24 great-nieces and nephews.