Robert Michael Brock

Robert Micheal “Mike” Brock was born on February 5, 1945, to Doris (Casey) and Robert Brock. He was born a farmer, operating a tractor at the age of three. He attended school at Clyde and Prescott. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963 at the age of 17, where he served four years on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga CVA-14 during the Vietnam War. He then served in the Navy Reserve until the early 1980s. Mike was extremely proud of his service to his country.

In 1985, he married Marlene Riomondo Potter, who he adored and cared for endlessly for 40 years until his passing on June 8, 2024. Together, they enjoyed traveling, camping, flying (as a hobby and first love; he was a private pilot), and spending time with family. Mike’s love of flying began when he was about seven years old, and his uncle took him flying and let him steer the plane. When Mike wasn’t doing one of these things, he could be found in either his woodworking shop or his metal fabricating shop, both of which he built, working on various projects. Mike had a multitude of other hobbies, including scuba diving, shooting, fishing, photography, panning for gold, raising farm animals, and wishing he owned a Super Cub airplane. After serving in the Navy, Mike was a truck driver, guard at the Washington State Penitentiary, licensed well driller, bus driver for Walla Walla Valley Transit, and also worked in a silver mine.

Mike will be remembered as a devoted husband for the past forty years. He was passionate about a lot of things, but his love and care for his wife were beyond measure, even greater than his love of airplanes and flying. He will be remembered for his boisterous personality and his green pickup truck. Camping trips with his family, and days spent fishing with his grandkids, as well as the 4th of July BBQs he hosted (BBQs that may or may not have consisted of roman candle fights).

Mike is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughters, Michelle Struble and Jackie Brock from previous relationships; bonus children, Mary Bollinger and Mark Riomondo (Karen); grandchildren, Destinee Bollinger, Tanner Bollinger, Aniella Riomondo, and Connor Riomondo; as well as niece, Cynthia Ablott.

He was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Doris (Casey) Brock; sisters, Barbara Ablott (Jack) and Betty Brock; uncle, “Toad” Casey; sister-in-law, Alvera Gaines (Ken); and son-in-law Alan Bollinger.

A special thank you to Walla Walla Valley in Home Care: We thank Jay, Maria, Vanessa, and their team for the care you all provided for Mike for the past two and a half years, standing by his bedside with the family until his last breath. You all have gone above and beyond with your skill, dedication, loving care, and compassion.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 PM at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S 2nd Ave, Walla Walla, with Reverend Steve Morris officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled American Veterans Organization through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.