Richard ‘Big Rock’ Allen Rockney, age 85, died Sunday March 26, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and caregivers at Pine View in Black River Falls, WI.
Richard was born December 5, 1937, in Black River Falls to William and Gladys (Hoem) Rockney. He married Joyce and together they had their son, Michael; they later divorced. He later married Delores Gusk-Berry, the love of his life, and they spent the next forty-plus years together.
During his life Richard held several different careers, working as a heavy equipment operator for the Jackson County Highway Department, Badger Mining, and Jessop Gravel; driving the school bus for the Blair school district; and volunteering with the office of Veterans’ Affairs.
He was good-natured—able to “take it as well as he gave it”—and enjoyed going to dances, playing dice, and watching and attending NASCAR and stock car races.
Richard is survived by his wife, Delores; son, Michael (Terri) Rockney; grandkids, Michaela (Emmanuel) Balderas, Danica (Sam Leiendecker) Rockney, and Logan Wonn; step-children, Lisa Melby, James (Ellen) Berry, and Kevin Berry; step-grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Lakowske, McKenzie (Adam) Hughes, Brock Daley, Jonathan Melby, Gavin, Petyon, and Charlotte Berry; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Cecilia, and Melanie Balderas; step-great-grandchildren, Calvin and Brooke Lakowske and Arabelle Hughes.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service for Richard Rockney will be held at the Torgerson Funeral Home of Black River Falls on Saturday, April 8, at 11:00 am. Friends are invited to call for visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial and military honors will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls. Following the burial, there will be a luncheon at the American Legion.
The Torgerson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.
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