David Kock

David Kock, age 75 of Calmar, IA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 27, 2025, in Decorah, IA.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Calmar Lutheran Church, 200 East St., Calmar, IA with Pastor Darryl Thompson presiding. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Lodge Ave, Greene, IA.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Calmar Lutheran Church.

Born on January 25, 1950, in Greene, Iowa, David grew up with a strong sense of community and service that would define his life. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1968 and then played on the Drake University football and baseball teams while earning his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972. His commitment to learning led him to a Master of Science in Education from Drake in 1978, a Superintendent Endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa in 1980, and, ultimately, a Doctor of Education degree from Illinois State University in 1997.

David was united in marriage to his high-school sweetheart, Judith Kay Kingery on Jan. 2, 1971, at United Methodist Church in Marble Rock, Iowa. David shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with Judy. Together, they built a loving family that was the center of David’s world.

Faith played an important role throughout David’s life. He was an active member of Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar, Iowa, where he found fellowship among a supportive church family.

David dedicated his professional life to education and leadership. He began his career teaching mathematics at Saydel High School in Des Moines, Iowa. His passion for guiding young minds soon led him into administration, serving as Principal / Athletic Director of Rockwell-Swaledale Community Schools. In 1984, he became the Associate Principal of Bettendorf Middle School, and continued his leadership journey as Principal at Mark Twain Elementary School in Bettendorf before retiring in 2005.  Throughout his career, David was known for his dedication to students and staff alike.

In addition to his civilian career as an educator, David simultaneously served his country with distinction as a Citizen-Soldier. He was a proud member of the United States Army, the Iowa Army National Guard, and the United States Army Reserves, rising to the rank of Colonel.  David joined the Guard as an enlisted Signal Corps Soldier in 1972 and earned his commission as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in 1974 through Officer Candidate School.  Over the course of his 32-year military career, he served in a number of command and staff assignments in the Guard and Reserves, culminating with a four-year Active-Duty tour at the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, where he helped run Army-wide programs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). His military service reflected the same values of commitment and leadership that he brought to every aspect of his life.

Beyond his professional achievements and military service, David found great joy in nature and family activities. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing. His passion for tree farming reflected both patience and care for the land. David also enjoyed tending to honeybees and making wine - hobbies that showcased his appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Skiing adventures added excitement to family time, but above all else, he cherished participating in all activities involving his children and grandchildren.

David is survived by his loving wife Judy Kock of Calmer; 3 sons, Brad (Ann) Cook of Davenport, Brent (Nikki) Kock of Clive and Craig (Libbie) Kock of Brooklyn Park, MN. A sister Marian (Robert) Schneider of Waverly; 8 grandchildren, Carter & Claire Cook, Joseph, Andy & Charlie Kock and Carson, Camren & Evelyn Kock.

David was preceded in death by his father Robert Kock, mother Icena (Schriever) Koenigsfeld, stepfather Art Koenigsfeld, brother & sister-in-law Kenny & Joyce Kock, granddaughter Elliana Kock, and grandniece Landri Burgart.

David’s legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, soldier, and friend will live on through all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those whose lives he touched so deeply.