Jennifer Nicole Bock

Jennifer Nicole Bock, 44, became an angel on December 8, 2023 at Mayo Health Systems in Mankato, MN with her family by her side.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on January 31, 2024 at Bayview Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN.  Pastor Rose will officiate.  Family will begin greeting guests at 9:30 a.m.. 

Jenni was born December 9, 1978 in Albert Lea, MN to LuVerne ‘Vern’ and Diane (Kopseng) Bock.  Jenni attended her first few years of elementary school in Glenville MN.  Jenni was then transferred to the Albert Lea School District to utilize their programming due to her learning disabilities and her Autism.  She graduated from Albert Lea High School in June 1999. 

Despite her disabilities, Jenni led a very active social life with friends and typical extracurricular activities.  Jenni took 2 years of dance with the very kind and compassionate Cammi Anderson.  Cammi always found a role for Jenni in the recitals despite her disability and that matched her abilities.  She also was very active in the ARC.  Jenni especially enjoyed their monthly dances.  Jenni attended her high school prom with a date.  Jenni’s yearly vacation to Camp Shetek was the highlight of her year.  

Jenni’s favorite pastime was shopping.  She was so excited when she moved in 2000 to an Elm Home in Mankato MN because it had so many more places to shop than Albert Lea.  Jenni always had her shopping list ready and out when we picked her up for her monthly home visits.  Jenni worked for MRCI for nearly 20 years until COVID hit which resulted in their closure. Jenni enjoyed her weekly Skype visits with family members.

Covid was a turning point in Jenni’s complete life.  Her inability to come home for an entire year and her routine being disrupted and catching COVID was the beginning of her health going downhill.  Over the past year Jennifer was hospitalized numerous times and sometimes for extended periods of time.   Jenni fought hard and long to overcome the damage the diabetes had done to her body.  Jennifer’s big infectious personality and kindness will be missed by all.  She never let her disability hold her back.  She never felt sorry for herself.

Jennifer is survived by her parents: LuVerne & Wendy Bock, Diane & Hal Sharpe, brothers, Tyler (Marc) Bock, Carson Sharp, Brandon (Cassi) Benson, Damon (Becky) Carlson, Hal Sharp, Jr..  Nieces: Emma & Elizabeth Benson; Nephews: Benjamin Benson, Joe & Jake Carlson.  Maternal Uncles: Art (Kathy) Kopseng, Jeff (Alan) Kopseng, Doug (Karen) Kopseng.  Many other Aunts & Uncles, Great Aunts & Uncles and Cousins and her special friend Gwen and roommates at her Elm Home.

Jennifer is proceeded in death by her Paternal Grandmother, Irene Bock; Maternal Grandparents, Art & Delores Kopseng, Maternal Great Grandparents Lowell & Harriet Ihde, Anna Dahlen, Tom & Stella Kopseng. 

We would like to thank Jenni’s team for the wonderful programing provided for her.  A special Thank You to Elm Home Nurse, Christina Marsolek, for her dedicated care and making sure Jenni received the care she needed.  Thank You to Elm Home and staff for providing a family orientated living environment in which Jenni thrived for 23 years.