Clarence E. 'Rocky' Rockwell

OREGON- Clarence E. “Rocky” Rockwell, Jr., age 87, of Oregon, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, in Oregon, surrounded by his loving family. Clarence was born Dec. 21, 1923, the son of Frieda L. (Duerr) and Clarence E. Rockwell. Rocky, a lifelong resident of the Madison/Fitchburg area, spent his childhood on the family dairy farm. A blind date arranged by Rocky’s best friend, Bill Stoneman, in April of 1945 changed his life forever when he met Naomi, the love of his life for over 66 years. Rocky wore many hats in his lifetime, mainly as an innovative dairy farmer and agribusinessman. In addition to working his own dairy farm, Rocky offered custom farming services to area farms specializing in planting, harvesting and grain drying operations. He later operated and managed two tractor and implement dealerships in the Fitchburg/Verona area. As the agricultural landscape changed, Rocky worked with the UW-Madison Police & Security Department and as a custom carpenter. He also served as the maintenance manager at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oregon for 25 years. Throughout his life, Rocky used his many skills as a farmer, security officer, mechanic, businessman, salesman, carpenter and handyman, but his favorite roles were always as loving husband, father and grandfather. Throughout the many facets of his life, Rocky was a model of honesty, integrity and faith, always setting high standards for his family, friends and neighbors. We will always cherish the everyday values that he displayed and instilled in us. Rocky was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Krohn. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Naomi (Onsrud); his eight children Randal (Roxanne), Gregory (Cindy), William (Elizabeth), Thomas (Anita), Janice Severson, Jean (Steve) Schroeder; Kenneth (Tina) and Jilane; 16 grandchildren; one great grandson; and many nieces and nephews. The celebration of Rocky’s life will begin with visitation from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, both at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon. Funeral services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, with Pastor Paul Markquart officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd, Madison following the reception. The family would like to thank Deb and Chuck Everson, Valor Rogers and each of the exceptional home care givers that touched Rocky’s life. We also especially appreciate the loving care of the staff at Sienna Meadows of Oregon, the HospiceCare team and of Pastor Bob Groth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to HospiceCare, Inc, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, 53711. Cemetery: Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd, Madison following the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to HospiceCare, Inc, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, 53711. The celebration of Rocky’s life will begin with visitation from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, both at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon. Funeral services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, with Pastor Paul Markquart officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service.