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Lowell Rockwell
TAMPICO – Lowell Dane “Rocky” Rockwell, 84, of Tampico, died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, at Dixon HealthCare and Rehabilitation Center, with his family at his side.
Lowell was born Oct. 9, 1925, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Homer L. and Laura H. (Smith) Rockwell. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Army with the 42nd Rainbow Division, Fox Company, 242nd Infantry. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery. When he returned from the war, he drove a tomato truck for Heinz Co., and was a welder for Case IH.
He retired from Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. in 1984, after 35 years of service, he worked as a roller in the 46-inch mill.
He married Jane M. Warner on May 7, 1951, in Rock Falls. They were blessed with five children and 58 years of marriage together.
He enjoyed playing horseshoes, shuffleboard, woodworking, campfires, gardening, playing cards, and collecting various antiques.
He loved tending to the woods out back of his home and working in his barn where he held many “union meetings.”
He loved his family, animals, and home, very deeply.
Survivors include his wife, Jane of Tampico; two daughters, Denise (Randy) Blackburn and Diana Rockwell, both of Dixon; three sons, Dave (Rhonda) Rockwell of Tampico, and Dennis (Debbie) Rockwell and Douglas Rockwell, both of Rock Falls; six grandchildren, Kelly Jo Rockwell, Jeannie Marie Haigwood, Tina Nicole Rockwell, Kenneth Lowell Rockwell, Purdue Joshua Blackburn and Rylie Nicole Blackburn; one great-grandson, Keegan Matthew Rockwell; and two brothers, Willard Rockwell and William “Nubs” (Mert) Rockwell both of West Liberty, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Milton “Bus,” Wesley, Harry, and Charles Rockwell.
Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Louis Tosto officiating.
Burial will take place at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Alzheimer’s Foundation has been established.
Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.
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