George Bollock, Jr., 73, of Mount Vernon, died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services were Wednesday, March 1, at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon with Brad Veurink officiating. Burial was at the New Holland Cemetery. Visitation was Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Bittner Funeral Chapel, Mitchell.
George was born on Oct. 12, 1943, in Piedmont to George and Laura Bollock.  He grew up on a sheep farm east of Mitchell and graduated from Mitchell High School in 1961.
On June 5, 1964, he married Frieda Pody. They lived in Rockford, Ill., where George worked as a machinist until 1976.
On Feb. 20, 1982, he married Marietta Timmermans Denning. They bought a farm right outside of Mount Vernon, where they raised their family.
In 2012, he began sharing his life with Cookie Chicoine. She was by his side throughout his battle with cancer and present at the time of his passing.
George worked for many years doing custom bailing and hay grinding.  He got out of the baling business in 1995, but operated the hay grinder until his health deteriorated this winter – a span of more than 37 years. On his farm, George raised sheep and hogs, but also had a collection of hobby pets and birds that he thoroughly enjoyed. One of his favorite things was making his famous popcorn for his children and grandchildren.
George is survived by five children: Paula Deinert of Sioux Falls, Connie (Dennis) Dyke of Colorado Springs, Colo., Lee (Brittani) Bollock of Dell Rapids, Clint (Trisha) Bollock of Winona, Minn., and Clay (Jessica) Bollock of Sioux Falls; three stepchildren: Vonda (Clint) Broer of Onawa, Iowa, Eric (Sherri) Denning of Mount Vernon, and Ward (Tammie) Denning of Lennox; his special friend, Cookie Chicoine; 22 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his two beloved dogs, Max and Mojo.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marietta (Timmermans) Bollock; his parents; and three brothers, Ronnie, Lloyd and Donald “Glen”.