With grace and at peace, Erna Marie (Wagner) Schock, 97, of Miles City, MT, went to sleep in the CHI St. Alexius Health Turtle Lake Hospital, and woke up in Heaven on June 24, 2025. Her long and beautiful life was marked by love, faith, and quiet strength — a steady presence in the lives of all who knew her.
Born on November 3, 1927, at the family home in Mercer, North Dakota, Erna was the 11th of 15 children born to Fred and Mathilda Wagner. She often said she didn’t want to be the last one standing, yet in God’s plan, she outlived all her beloved siblings, faithfully carrying their memories until her own journey was complete. On September 8, 1946, Erna married Walter Schock. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and family, raising seven children and sharing 56 years of marriage before Walt’s passing in 2002.
Erna’s life was centered around raising her children in the early years, while also finding unique ways to supplement their growing family’s income: selling cream to the local creamery, chopping onions for Henry’s Hamburgers, and boarding dogs, to name a few. She cherished her first job outside the home when she was hired at Coast to Coast in Miles City, MT, in 1968. She proudly worked there for more than 20 years. She earned her high school diploma at age 65, “because she could”, and because she valued learning new things each and every day.
A woman of deep and enduring faith, she had a close, personal relationship with the Lord and remained eager to grow in His word until her final days. One of her favorite sayings was, “It is what it is.” And she truly lived those words — accepting life with what she often called “love, peace, and joy” in her heart. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, peace, and unshakable belief in God.
Erna was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Her family always knew how deeply she loved them because she made sure to tell them in birthday cards, phone calls, or in person, every chance she got. She was also a talented craftswoman who expressed her love through her woodworking crafts, crocheting, baking, and more. Her handmade gifts will always be cherished.
She is lovingly remembered by her children David Schock, Randy Schock, Audrey Schock-Yates, Alan Schock(Colleen), Calvin Schock(Cori), all of Miles City, Claudia Scott(Bill), of Turtle Lake, N.D., and son-in-law Don Larson of Roseburg, OR; 35 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren, 3 sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is reunited in Heaven with those who went before her, including her parents, her husband, her daughter Virginia Larson, son-in-law Norman E. Yates, 3 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, her 14 siblings, and 19 brothers and sisters-in-law.
A memorial service honoring Erna will be held on Saturday, July 12, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Miles City, Montana. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday, July 16, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake, North Dakota. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Erna’s honor to the Custer County Food Bank, First Lutheran Church of Miles City, Miles City Soup Kitchen, or Special Olympics — organizations close to her heart.
Clara jo says
Sorry to hear about your mom, grandma passing
Your all In my thoughts and prayers
May all the beautiful memories fill the tough days
Holly says
I am so sorry your loss, my sweet friends, Maria and Erin! What a life well lived. Praying your memories with her fill the void she has left. Praying comfort for your entire family.
Kurt says
Erna and Walter will hold a special place in my heart forever. What a great family!
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Erna’s family! Enjoyed playing cards and visiting with her.
Jeff and Bonnie Boggs says
Our thoughts and prayers to all of your families. Erna was a wonderful woman and will be missed by all who knew her. She was quite a lady and will enter Heaven with open arms as she is greeted by her family of many. What a joyous reunion.
LaRae Tangen says
Cal and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your momma. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sue and Dennis Bakken says
Our deepest sympathies
Irene Zimmerman says
May the Lord be with you and give you peace. Deepest condolences for your loss.
Marc and Denise Hartse says
Our deepest condolences to the Schock family.
Alandra Hill says
God Bless Erna. I had the honor of knowing her, and celebrating the Lord with her, at First Lutheran Church for many years. My condolences to her loving family.
Kent Frette says
Audrey and family: Our deepest condolences to you at this time.
Tracy Wamsley says
I’m saddened to hear about your loss; you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Erna made the best rhubarb pie and was a very kind lady.
Mike & Judy Toennis says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Claudia, Calvin, and families, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sandy Rabe says
So sorry to hear of Erna’s passing. May God bless you all with comfort in many wonderful memories.
Lori Raisler says
I absolutely loved Erna! She was a sharp card player (pinochle) and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to play with and visit with her. I think our last session was June 20. She said she had to get something off her chest so we all stopped and listened at our table. She was hosting her oldest great-great grandchild and her youngest great-great grandchild. She just wanted us to know how much she loved our card group and getting to have her family in town. What a sweetie! God bless you all. 💕💕
Donna Orthman says
I am sorry for your loss.
Troy & Joan Liquin says
Cal & Cori,
What a wonderful legacy your mom lived. It carries on in all of you. Joan and I send our love during this time.
Tyler Pust says
Audrey and family
Sorry about your loss.
Duane and Laurie Claypool and family says
To Erna’s children and grandchildren, we send our deepest sympathies! She raised a wonderful family and they have passed this onto their families!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Duane, Laurie, Anna and Bryan Claypool
Lloyd and Jan Sohl says
We remember Erna from First Lutheran Church. Just an all around great lady. Our sympathy to her Family. We need more Erna’s in this world.
Tab Fleming says
What a woman, and what a life. So sorry to see the passing of your family member. I’m sure you will miss her terribly but knowing the life she lived must give you a comfort knowing that she lived a full life touched so many in a positive way.
Scott & Voni Tally says
Cal, Cori & the entire Schock family- we are so sorry for your loss & pray for blessings on your family.
Doreen and Johnny Womack says
Our sympathy goes out to all of the Schock family. Your Mom was such a great lady. I have many memories of her that I will hold in my heart forever. Take care of each other and God’s blessing to each of you.
Doreen (Pinkham) and Johnny Womack
Brian & Wendy Ballance says
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all 🩷
David & Danette Olguin says
We are so sorry for your loss of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time 🙏🏼💖🙏🏼