Tom Rock, 79

Thomas Paul Rock, age 79, of Richland, and a former longtime Sturgis resident, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 16, 2022 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born July 8, 1943 in Grand Rapids, son of the late John and Alice Rock. Tom was the 2nd of 8 children.

Tom was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army from April 21, 1967 – April 4, 1969 earning the rank of First Lieutenant. He served with the Infantry Division as Headquarters Company Commander stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany. Following his honorable discharge he completed his undergraduate degree at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. There he met his wife of 55 years Anne Frost.

His first job following graduation was with the Burroughs Corporation. Shortly thereafter he accepted a position with the Freeman Manufacturing Company in Sturgis. During his over 40 years of employment he held the positions of CFO and later CEO. During his time with Freemans he made many friends and business acquaintances

Tom was very involved in many services clubs and community organizations including longtime member and past president of the Sturgis Kiwanis Club, Junior Achievements board of directors, and the Sturgis Hospital board of directors for 25 years. He was a member of the St. Clare Catholic Church in Centreville where he served on the finance committee during the planning and construction of the new church located in Centreville. He also served on the board of directors of the Pregnancy Helpline of St. Joseph County for 25 years.

Tom was a man of integrity, honoring his Catholic faith as a first priority along with sanctity of human life.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 55 years: Anne Elizabeth; son: John Rock; daughter: Sarah Rock; grandchildren: Allyson, Chloe and Timothy; sisters: Diane Strouse, Judy Kadish and Christine Rock; brother: Michael Rock and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Lois Pater and brothers: Daniel Rock and Gerald Rock.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd. in Sturgis where the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be prayed together at 7:00 P.M. Thursday. The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Thomas Paul Rock will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, Oct. 21st at St. Clare Catholic Church 23126 M-86 in Centreville. The Rev. Father R. Mathias celebrant. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guards. Private burial of the remains will take place at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations would be appreciated to the Pregnancy Helpline, 1125 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the St. Clare Catholic Church, 23126 M-86, Centreville, MI 49032.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.