Wayne Rocke

MORTON – Wayne E. Rocke, 91 of Morton, passed away Monday, November 21, 2022, at the Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton.

He was born on March 25, 1931, in Morton, to Jesse and Emma (Unsicker) Rocke.  He married “his Bride” Opal Gregory from Martinsville, Va., on April 17, 1954.  They had nearly 69 years of a loving and godly marriage together and have been an inspiration to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Verelda, Erma, Shirley and Marilyn. 

Surviving are his wife, Opal and his children, Michael Rocke of Fiesole, Italy, Tonie Rocke (Jorge) Osorio of Mount Horeb, Wisc., Jonathan (Jolene) Rocke of Morton, and a dear niece, Christine (Jon) Zeller of Morton, who lived with the Rocke family for five years. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Maricel Osorio, Anali Osorio, Janelle (Ryan) Rupp, Jaime (Jonathan) Farrell, Jordan (Jessica) Rocke, Andy (Becky) Zeller, Jesse (Suzanne) Zeller, Brian Zeller and Nate (Molly) Zeller; and 15 great grandchildren.

Wayne served in the Navy state-side for four years during the Korean Conflict. 

After marrying Opal and moving back to Morton, Wayne joined the family meat business, Rocke’s Cold Storage, that later became known as Rocke’s Meating Haus.  Wayne loved serving customers his award-winning smoked and specialty meats.

Wayne served as the president of the Illinois Association of Meat Processors. He was also a member of the National Association of Meat Processors’, where he won numerous product awards through the years.

Wayne was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Morton, where he was a song leader, choir director and Sunday school teacher. Wayne enjoyed singing with the Mortonaires for many years.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Apostolic Christian Church in Morton, with church ministers officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Further visitation will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery in Morton, with Pastor Jonathan Farrell officiating.

Memorials may be made to Apostolic Christian Church or Peoria Rescue Ministries.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To view Wayne’s video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.