Emil Schock, 87, Velva formerly of Turtle Lake died Monday, March 12, 2007, in his home.

Emil was born September 5, 1919 to John and Christina (Ehni) Schock on the family farm northeast of Turtle Lake, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at the Peace Lutheran Church, in Turtle Lake. He attended rural school, graduated from Turtle Lake High School and attended Mayville Teachers College. He joined the National Guard in February of 1941 and in March of 1942, after training at Camp Claybourn, he was shipped overseas. He served in A Company of the 164th Infantry, Americal Division which was organized in New Caledonia. It was the only division with a name instead of a number. They were the first troops to follow the Marines to Guadalcanal and also saw action on Bouganville and the Philippines. In April of 1945 he was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling where the point system was being used for eligibility, 85 points were needed and he had 135. He had earned many medals for his ability and his bravery.

Emil married Verna Gjellstad on June 5, 1946 at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva. They made their home in Turtle Lake where he drove a Star Route carrying mail from Turtle Lake to Underwood. In 1949 they moved to Verendrye where they purchased the Hauge farm and later the Thoreson farm, where they farmed and ranched for 32 years. Emil served on the Hendrickson Township Board for many years. In 1981 they moved to Velva and continued to farm until 1985 when Emil had a massive heart attack and surgery. Then, they had to lead an easier life and enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. Emil also continued a project started by Marie and Julius Hauge, Verna's aunt and uncle. He built more than 350 wooden stools on which Verna did tole painting.

Emil was a former member of Verendrye Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer for many years. Presently, he was a member of Oak Valley Lutheran where he had served on the council. He was a lifetime member of the Velva American Legion, a member of Velva Seniors and a former member of the Eagles in Minot.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Verna, Sons: Jerome (Jill) Schock of Rollinsford, NH, and Joel (Mardelle) Schock of Velva; Grandchildren: Michael and Daniel Schock of Rollinsford, NH, David Schock of Velva, Heather (Benjamin) Tudor of Velva, and Brent (Marcie) Heinrich of Velva; Great Grandchildren: Brittaney Duvall, Nicholas Tudor, Reese and Morgan Heinrich; Brothers: Daniel Schock of Hemet, CA, and Reinhold (Clara) Schock of Turtle Lake; Sister: Emma (George) Whitaker of Whittier, CA; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Helen Fueller Fischer, and brothers, Gustav, Jacob, Alexander, and John.

Funeral Service: Friday, March 16, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva;
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva;
Memorials: preferred to Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva Ambulance Fund or an organization of the donor's choice.