Richard Earl "Rick" Rokita

Richard Earl "Rick" Rokita was called home on Friday May 9, 2025 at Trillium woods in Byron Center, Michigan at the age of 79 after an 11 month battle with cancer. He passed peacefully while surrounded by family.

Rick was born on September 4, 1945 in Quincy, IL. To Dr. Adam W. and Mary (Goodwin) Rokita. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother James Michael "Mike" Rokita.

He is survived by his wife Cathie (Chlebek) Rokita of Shelbyville, Michigan. They married on July 4, 1995 and was just shy of 30 years of marriage together. Also survived by his brother Robert "Bob"(Barbera) Rokita, sisters, Jenny (Kent) Kelley, Shelley Fenton, MaryNelle Kellum, sisters in law, Rita Rokita, (Mike's surviving wife), Amy (Dave) Blakeslee.

His children, Camden (Becky) Rokita, Renae (Johnny) Von Burg, Tiffany (Phil) Hiscock, James (Erika) Speck, Mike (Erin) Speck and many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was an avid Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Michigan fan. He also loved Nascar races, music, concerts, golfing, bowling and spending time with family and friends. His legacy of love, perseverance, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Spending time with Rick always meant you were going to laugh have fun and possibly get pranked or get one of his famous "skyhooks". During his younger years he was know as "The Duke of Earl" and he enjoyed dancing to Dick Clark's American Bandstand.

He served in the United States Army and played a crucial role in the national defense belonging to the infantry serving in Vietnam where he earned a purple heart.

He was introduced to the bowling business and started his career as a mechanic of the family owned Park Bowl on 12th & Harrison in Quincy, IL. For many years where he spent most of his time. After the bowling center closed in 1989, he worked for some of the biggest names in the bowling business in Springfield, IL., Washington D.C., and Grand Rapids Michigan where he was a Regional Manager. He was a hard worker and lived life to the fullest.

We will be having a "Celebration of Life" at the Tangerine bowl (lower level) on Saturday August 2nd from 5:30-8:30pm. We encourage bringing any pictures and stories to tell.