Name: Visitation for Edward T. Rock Sr.
Start: 2021-11-15T15:30:00.000Z
End: 2021-11-15T16:30:00.000Z
Location: Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, South County Chapel

Edward T. Rock Sr.
Born: March 2, 1932
Died: November 5, 2021
Colonel Edward T. Rock Sr., of Chesterfield, MO, passed away in his sleep on Nov 5 2021. He was born on Mar 2 1932 in Dixon, Il to Edward C and Alice C. Rock, being the oldest of 6.
Beloved husband of Joy Louise Rock (nee Garrett) for 63 years; dear father of Edward Jr., Kathleen, Margaret Koebbe (Terry), David and Sarah Gould (Tom); dear Grandfather to Randy Sheridan (Megan), William, Michael Koebbe (Emille) and Nikolai; Dear Great-Grandfather to Tye and Mia Sheridan; dear brother to Susan Weitzel, Kathleen McCright, Joseph (Carol), Michael, and Timothy (Connie) Rock.
Edward served 27 years in the United States Air Force. He started as an enlisted radio mechanic before applying for and being accepted into the pilot training program and retiring as a Colonel. He flew two tours in Vietnam as a member of the Wild Weasels (YGBSM/WW#185)
After retirement he became involved with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and the Freedom School. He became an author, took up painting, and was a passionate cook who made the most wonderful meals for his family. He was a faithful member of Ascension Parish.
He met the love of his life, Joy, in Phoenix over 63 years ago and fought to stay with her until his strength finally gave out where upon he went to be with the Lord knowing that the Lord and his family will be watching over her.
"Throw a Nickel on the Grass"
In lieu of flowers we ask donations be made to Habitat for Humanity or St. Mary's Church of Phoenix, AZ in honor of Fr. Blaise Cronin.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel. 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO on Monday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sauk Valley News from Nov. 8 to Nov. 13, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Rock

Sponsored by Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, South County Chapel.

11 Entries

Robert Bradley Gaines

July 8, 2024

I just saw this. I am way late but must write something. Ed was my boss on my first real job out of college. He was larger than life in many ways. His impact on me lasted for these last 4 decades. It is hard to imagine he is gone. So painful. I really miss him right now.

Virginia Countryman

March 2, 2022

Memories of long, long ago. We folded and delivered thousands of the "Dixon Reminders" back when we were 11 - 12 years old. Those were fun hours and the beginning of learning the realities of life. Our paths took us far beyond treading those Dixon streets. Life has been good. Well know your family and friends are missing you Ed.

Sam Morgan

November 21, 2021

Dear Joy, you and Ed are my idea of a married life well lived. I greatly admired and respected Ed. I am so sorry for your loss as there is now a large hole in your heart.

Lisa Smout

November 15, 2021

Dear Rock Family- I am so glad to have had the opportunity to know you and to work with Ed over this past year. He is a fighter in every way. I will miss him too. I´ll never forget his laugh and his willingness to always go first...another way he loved Joy well. May God bless you all with peace and comfort during this time.

Michael Kane

November 14, 2021

Also a member of Ascension Parish but did not know Colonel Rock personally. Did notice that Colonel Rock was a "Wild Weasel" in Vietnam, however. These men had to be fearless, continually flying search-and-destroy missions against North Vietnamese radar installations. I salute you, sir, on your final mission.

Col. Ben Fuller

November 12, 2021

Pat and I send prayers for strength and peace to Joy and the family.

RICHARD BAUGHN

November 11, 2021

ANOTHER GREAT WARRIOR HAS LEFT US.

Theo van Geffen

November 11, 2021

Dear Rock family!
I was so sorry to read about Ed's passing. My sincere condolences. I still cherish my visits to him and Joy and like to thank him once more for his inputs to my F-105 research.
Utrecht regards,
Theo Van Geffen.

Joan Church

November 10, 2021

What a pleasure to get to meet Ed before his final flight! And, to add to that.....got to know Sarah and Margaret, his devoted daughters. My sympathy to his wife and all the Rock family in their loss.

Walter P. Lohse

November 10, 2021

We share your sorrow, Joy and the Rock family.
Rest in peace old friend and DHS classmate.
A life well lived and a job well done..

Wayne Burgess

November 8, 2021

RIP Young Man! And Thank You For Your Service!

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