Gregory G. Hock
Gregory “Greg” G. Hock passed away in Kearney, NE on June 16, 2026, at the age of 75.
Greg was born on June 3, 1951, in McCook, NE to parents Leslie L. and Maxine (Campbell) Hock. Greg grew up with 10 siblings on a farm north of Culbertson, NE where he graduated from McCook High School with the class of 1969.
After high school, Greg obtained his degree in Aviation Maintenance.
Greg began flying at the age of 15 and earned his private pilot’s license by age 17. He carried that passion throughout his life, spending most of his career in aviation.
Early in his career, Greg worked as a crop duster in Curtis, Nebraska, where he also built and maintained airplanes.
He later flew for the U.S.
Forest Service for more than 25 years saving countless lives, dropping fire retardant on wildfires throughout the United States and helping protect countless communities and natural resources.
Following his retirement from the Forest Service, Greg returned to the family farm, where he continued to work alongside his family farming. Never one to stay grounded for long, he also spent 11 years flying as a crop duster for Sides Aviation in Cambridge, Nebraska. Aviation was not just Greg’s career—it was his lifelong passion. One of his greatest joys was sharing that passion with others, especially his family. His final flight took place in January 2026 with his son, Wes, by his side.
Beyond aviation, Greg was known as an avid storyteller who never met a stranger and could captivate an audience with tales from the cockpit and beyond.
Above all else, Greg cherished his family.
Known affectionately as “Grumpy” to his granddaughters, he treasured every moment spent with them. His granddaughters were truly the light of his life.
A man of deep faith and service, Greg was a devoted member of both St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, where he attained the rank of Third Degree Knight, and the Commemorative Air Force.
While living in Curtis, Nebraska, Greg began his foray into firefighting as a volunteer firefighter and later served as Fire Chief for about two years. His dedication to serving others, both on the ground and in the air, remained a defining characteristic throughout his life.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bernie Hock; brothers-in-law, Mike Sullivan and Steve Schendt; sister-in-law, Kathy Hock; and daughter- in-law, Kendra Hock.
Those left to celebrate Greg’s legacy are his children, Lyle (Heather) Hock of Battlement Mesa, CO, Wesley (Tiffany) Hock of Holbrook, NE and Jennifer (Kenneth) Hanners of Twin Falls, ID; siblings, George Hock of Culbertson, NE; Brad (Mary Jo) Hock of Culbertson, NE; Rocky (JoAnn) Hock of Culbertson, NE; Jeannine Schendt of Lawrence, NE; Lori (Jeff) Shaddock of McCook, NE; Angela (Ron) Rhetus of Lincoln, NE; Annata Sullivan of Lincoln, NE; Mary Beth (Bill) MInes of Warsaw, MS; Lisa Merrill of LIncoln, NE; sister-in-law Carol Hock of McCook, NE; his granddaughters Giulia, Kendra, Morgan, Brooke and Avery and 1 greatgrandson, Daimian; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St.
Ann’s Catholic Church, PO Box 612, McCook, NE 69001.
A recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 7:00pm at Carpenter, Breland Funeral Home, McCook, NE.
A memorial mass will be held at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in McCook, NE on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:30 am, with Father Gary Brethour and Father Neil Hock as celebrants.
Inurnment is to follow the memorial mass at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Frontier County.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, Monuments and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland. com to sign the online guestbook for the family.
