Erwin Clare Schock Jr., better known as “Swede” to everyone, passed away on Thursday April 23rd, 2026, shortly after his 90th birthday, surrounded by family and friends. He joins his loving wife Barbara, his parents, his siblings, and his oldest son in heaven.
Swede was born on March 9, 1936, in Billings, Mt., to Claribel and Erwin Schock Sr. He was the third of four children and spent a lifetime enjoying the company of Elsworth (Lou), Freda Mae, and Thomas (TJ), all of whom have preceded him in death.
Swede married Ethyl Andersen in 1956, and they had two sons Gary (deceased) and Larry. They later divorced in 1964. Swede worked at many professions until he found his calling at the State Department of Revenue. He owned and operated a Billings gas station with his brother TJ, drove a semi while working for the Mayflower Moving Company, sold farm equipment for his good friend Oscar Cook at Wymont Farm Equipment Sales, and owned and operated his own gas station in Billings. After retiring from the State, he continued in the appraisal business and helped make it into a family business.
Swede met Barbara Jean Abel in Billings, and they were married on March 21st, 1970, where they lovingly blended their two existing families and 7 kids together. Swede was the rock of the family who was always generous with his love, his time, and his life lessons. He was always willing to share his life experiences as a lesson for what to do, and more importantly for what not to do. He was always quick to lend a helping hand to family and friends in their time of need. While he was a man of spiritual faith, he was also a man with great faith in mankind. No matter what circumstances, or what mistakes may have been made, he always saw the good in people and made it his mission to try and help them out of, no matter what situation they found themselves in.
He loved his time working in his garden and yard, puttering around his garage, going to auctions and garage sales. Whenever you asked him why he bought something, he would give you that wry smile and simply say, “You never know when a guy might need that”. Swede will be missed by many.
He is survived by his many children Cindy (Phil) Knapp, Curtis (Cheri) Abel, Melody (Steve) Reich, Brian (Wendi) Abel, Larry (Debbie) Schock, and Chris (Elisa) Schock. He is also survived by many grandkids, great grandkids, one great great granddaughter, nieces, and nephews, too numerous to mention.
Swede will be missed by all who knew and loved him. However, he will live on in our hearts, our thoughts, and will live forever in our memories. He is not gone; he has simply gone from watching out for us to watching over us from Heaven.
We love you dad, grandpa, and Uncle Swede
Memorials in Swede’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 23, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Service
Saturday May 23, 2026
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 23, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Service
Saturday May 23, 2026
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
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Colleen Stephenson says
Swede, my dear friend. Bill met you walking our puppy. He came home talking about his new friend Swede that lived about a block and a half away from our home. I finally met you when we moved into BeeHive Assisted Living. You helped me through one of the hardest times in my life and I will be forever grateful to you. You will be in my thoughts and heart, in my memories as one of the gentlest men I’ve ever known. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be missed every day. Love Colleen
William (Bill) H Bandy says
Swede was the best. He mentored me and many others during our time with the Department of Revenue and the years when I started my own business. I could always call Swede talk about appraisal issues or just shoot the breeze. A very understanding person whom had been through the mill and understood so many issues on a personal level. Thanks Swede!