John Charles Rock

John Charles Rock, 63 of La Crescent, Minnesota died unexpectedly March 18th 2025 at Mayo Health System in La Crosse Wisconsin.

John was born September 6, 1961 in Wausau Wisconsin to Gordon and Lois Rock. He graduated from Wausau East High School in 1980. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County Wausau and University of Wisconsin – La Crosse graduating with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. He worked at Anoka Regional Treatment Center and Edina Care Center prior to finding his true calling at the La Crescent Healthcare Center in 1991. He devoted 31 years of his life to the residents, their family members and his co-workers. He brought love, cheer, fun and laughs to all. It was at the healthcare center that he met the love of his life Debra (Bjerke). They later married on April 8, 1996. He retired from the nursing home December 31, 2021.

John and Deb had a beautiful life together that involved many trips to Laughlin NV, attending Jimmy Buffett concerts at Alpine Valley and yearly family vacations to Thunderbird Lodge in Hatfield, Wisconsin and numerous trips to Milwaukee to watch the Brewers play. John was an avid trivia player, you could find him at the Swing Bridge Restaurant in La Crescent almost every Wednesday night with his close friends, their team name “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere”. He also had many close friends at his favorite watering hole in La Crosse Wisconsin “Ardie’s Flipside”.

In addition to his wife Debra, he adored his family, stepsons Josh and Joe (whom he called his sons), grandchildren Aidan, Ethan, Emma and Finley, and daughter Casie. You would often find him and his family golfing together at Pine Creek Golf course in La Crescent.

John is survived by his loving wife Debra, stepsons Josh (Karen) Myhre, children Aidan and Asher, Joe (Melanie) Myhre children Ethan, Emma and Finley, daughter Casie Rock. Siblings Linda (Jeff) Johnson of Marshfield WI, Dave (Julie) Rock of Harshaw WI, and Tim (Sharon) Rock of Schofield WI along with his much-loved nieces and nephews. His mother-in-law Judy (Red) Dahle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Lois Rock, his father-in-law Harold Bjerke and Grandma Packer (Verna Pitel).

Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, La Crescent. Pastor Libby Howe will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Sunday from 3:00 – 6:00 PM and again on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thankfulness and gratitude to Dr. Patel of Mayo Health System – La Crosse along with the wonderful staff that helped care for John during his recent hospitalizations.