Stanley A. Rock

I was privileged to work at the seminary with Stan for 22 years. He was my mentor and friend. Dorothy Boer Schumacher

I became friends with Stan and Nancy, when he was leading the little group at Collegiate Church, in Des Moines, IA. The context, for me, was that of a gay man exploring church again, after staying away for ten years. For the church (from my perspective, in my memory now,) I represented one of the "others," and Stan was helping his parishioners grow into the Jesus experience of there not being any "others." It was a rich time for me that I will not forget.

Back in 1960, Stan knocked on my dorm room door at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. That knock was important in linking me up with several other students and a Christian professor and providing me with some Christian stability for those 4 years. I don't think I saw Stan more than 1 or two times, but his face and name have always stuck with me. I had occasion to think of him tonight and googled him. I am so sorry to read of his death. I knew he was an exceptional man, and his obituary...

Dear Nancy, I'm glad that a friend sent Stan's obituary notice. It brought back memories of Stan in Boston and New England with InterVarsity, and looking forward to times when he crashed at my apartment. His joyful spirit was always encouraging. Over the years when I ran into his students they were always so appreciative of his counsel and care. His vocation lived out who he was and who he wanted to be. Another seminary professor, who had helped me so much, was diagnosed with cancer in...

Nancy, I just saw the notice in the paper and am saddened for you and your family. We used to have fun meals at your home through the church. I have fond memories of our times together, Stan was a very fine man. He will be missed by many people. We hope your health is good. We are living in Holland once again to be near my children as we age. Our prayers are with you.

Love and prayers.My heart is sad with yours in your loss.

Dear Nancy: So sorry for your loss. Will keep you in prayer.
SarahDinkelmann, Holland, Mi

So grateful to have learned from this warm and wise man when I was a long-ago student at WTS. So many of us were blessed by his gentle firmness as he taught us and showed us how to help and care for others. God's peace to all his family.

Stan believed in me at a time in my life when I had reason to doubt my usefulness in the Kingdom. He also invited me into a new chapter of my life where I learned to do theology from the ground up. In that and so many other ways he blessed my life as a colleague and a dear friend for whom I will always be grateful.