Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home

Remembering

Brigitta E. Bock

Brigitta Emilie Bock

Brigitta Emilie Bock, 102, passed away peacefully, in Stockton, CA, on January 25, 2012.

Brigitta was born on May 1, 1909 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the eldest of six siblings of whom five pre-deceased her. Her father, Emil Koerting, and her mother, Ottile Bauman Koerting, Brigitta called “papa” and “ma.”

Brigitta graduated from University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with a B.S. in Education in 1930. In 1934, Brigitta earned the Master of Science degree. She chose the small town of Newman Grove, NE, for her first teaching position – a place that remained in her heart    for her entire life.                                                                                                                                                     

In 1946, Brigitta accepted a teaching position in Biology at the City College of  San Francisco. It was there that she met her first husband, Carl Hugo Beetz, artist/illustrator, in the Department of Art. Their social life centered within the art community and with                                  fellow teaching colleagues. Brigitta and Carl had no children. Later, after Carl Beetz’s untimely and early passing, Brigitta married Carl H. Bock, horticulturist. Together they enjoyed the opportunity to travel extensively.

Brigitta loved Nebraska. And she loved the novels authored by Willa Cather that describe the early pioneer life on the prairies. Brigitta’s interests, in addition to her dedication to teaching, included quilting, cookbook and doll collecting. She was a season ticket holder to the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Symphony.

Over the years, Brigitta felt the need to encourage qualified students to continue their interest and thus, education, in the sciences and the arts. She established scholarship funds at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Newman Grove, NE, High School, City College of San Francisco, and the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.

Brigitta’s grace and gentleness will be remembered by all who knew her.

Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Nebraska Foundation, Lincoln, NE, or to a selection of your choice.