Linda was born on June 4th, 1955, to Marvin and Juella Lemmen. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1973 and Mercy Central School of Nursing in 1975. She married the love of her life, Tom Bock, on August 23rd, 1975. They were married for 50 years. Linda was a nurse for 30 years including 24 years at Holland Hospital in Holland, MI. She worked in labor and delivery, medical-surgical, and the pain clinic. Her professional titles included Nursing Supervisor, Patient Care Coordinator, and House Supervisor. She retired from nursing at the age of 50 and spent 10 years caring for her parents.
Her childhood dream of becoming an artist or interior designer was evident in her life purpose: “I sought to add beauty to the world and fix things to make them better.” She volunteered her time to those who could not afford a designer or florist. She was a cooking mentor in Apples of Gold for 10 years. Linda taught a ceramic class for 15 years through Zeeland Community Education. Her love of horses inspired her to volunteer for 15 years with Joni and Friends at Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference in Norton Shores, MI. Linda’s contribution to the Maranatha community will be missed and remembered through the prayer garden she helped create. Her favorite things included: gardening, cooking, family vacations, friends, hospitality, animals, sewing, decorating, reading, sunshine, and beaches.
Linda’s faith was important to her. She wanted to follow Jesus her whole life and participated in Bible Study Fellowship and small groups. Linda sought comfort from childhood fears with the security found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Through all phases of life, the good and the hard, she felt God’s direction and prompting by clinging to Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.” During her year-long battle with cancer, Linda sought refuge in Psalm 91.
When asked about her marriage, Linda described her relationship with Tom as two hands, both left and right. Together, they were project driven and liked to build, fix, remodel, and complete projects for their family and for the betterment of others. They shared a mission of generosity for unmet needs. They shared in the joy of 8 grandchildren as Oma and Papa.
Linda was preceded in death by Marvin and Juella Lemmen. She is survived by a sister, Karen Glupker (Tim), and her husband, Tom Bock. Her children include Jennifer Bock-Nelson (Todd), Heidi Tucker (Michel), Erin Giovannetti (Tony) and Adam Bock (Bre). Her grandchildren include Trevor and Joel Nelson; Ella, Olivia, and Owen Tucker; Kai and Isla Giovannetti; and Jackson Bock.
Linda’s memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference Center, 4759 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference Center.
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