SPRINGFIELD - Michael James Rock, 80, of Springfield died at 7:50 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007, at his home.
He was born Nov. 21, 1927, in Springfield, the son of Michael Christopher and Anna Marie Kohlrus Rock. He married Mary Ellen Hughes on Feb. 20, 1954; she preceded him in death on Jan. 12, 2000. His parents and two sisters, Mary VondeBur and Dorothy Rock, also preceded him in death.
Mr. Rock was a baker and route salesman for Interstate Brands and also worked for K's Merchandise. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church and a life member of Knights of Columbus 4175 and volunteered at the Senior Center.
Surviving are his two daughters, D. Colleen (husband, Michael) Havey of Manchester, Mo., and Ellen Ann Todd of Springfield; five sons, Michael E. Rock of North Pole, Alaska, Terrence Timothy (wife, Robin) Rock of Atlanta, Joseph Patrick (wife, Laura) of Springfield, Patrick Joseph (wife, Suzanne) Rock of Los Angeles and John Conroy Rock of Phoenix; eight grandchildren, Michelle Ann and Megan Elizabeth Havey, Logan Michael Todd, Connor and Emily Rock, Madeline, Jackson and Katelyn Rock; four sisters, Catherine Dressendorfer of Brea, Calif., Patricia (husband, Charles) Young, Dolores Walsh and Theresa Greeley, all of Springfield; and brother, Joseph Rock of Springfield.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, at Staab Funeral Home, with prayers at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, at St. Joseph's Church, with Monsignor Thomas Holinga officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Church or Food Pantry at 11th and Washington streets.
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Tracie Lowis
December 20, 2007
Joe and Laura,
Gregg and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracie & Gregg Lowis
Joan Olsen
December 19, 2007
Mike and Mary Ellen were like an Aunt and Uncle to me growing up. We lived down the street and later just a few blocks away. They always remembered us at Christmas and brought us fresh veggies from Mike's garden. Your parents were always so proud of all you. My mother (Martha), my twin sister (Sue), and I will always remember Mike and Mary Ellen fondly.
Anne Walsh
December 17, 2007
Mike was an old neighbor, a good father of a large family. He was the last of the old neighborhood. Our condolences are with the children.
Donald Porter
December 17, 2007
To the Rock Family,
It was my pleasure to have known your father from K's Merchandise days. He was a wonderful person and the people that dealt with him there enjoyed having him wait on them. May God Bless you and your families at this difficult time. May it give you comfort that he now dwells with the Lord. Don Porter
Tracy Kempkes
December 17, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rock Family. Uncle Mick was one of my favorites and he will be greatly missed!
Gregg, Tracy (Hughes) and Dillon Kempkes
bob cavanagh
December 17, 2007
Please know my prayers are with your family. Bob Cavanagh, old St Ag, classmate of Terry.
Joy & Barry Schleyhahn
December 16, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jennifer Goulden
December 16, 2007
Ellen & Logan,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Remember that he will always be with you in Spirit and in your hearts.
Chris Walsh
December 16, 2007
To my Rock cousins,
What a wonderful 80th birthday party you had for your dad! It was great to see him and all of you. What a wonderful birthday present your mom received when he joined her this year. I am sorry that I am unable to make it from Chicago for the funeral. We will miss him!
God bless all of you.
Love to all,
Chris Walsh
Betty Maier
December 16, 2007
Mr. Rock was a wonderful neighbor. He was an ever present source of stability here. And he will be greatly missed . May the love of Jesus be with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
John O. & Ruby Klein
December 16, 2007
Joe and family. You have our sincere condolences. We know how close you were to Mike.
Margaret (Bracco) Leckrone
December 16, 2007
Pat, Deloras and Theresa, my sympathy goes out to you and all the family. Almighty God has welcomed your brother into his opened arms. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack Reed
December 16, 2007
Francis Rock Grandson
So sorry to here about Mike he was a great guy
Jack Reed
Beccie Rigor
December 16, 2007
Prayers are with the family.
God be with you. Beccie Rigor
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