Milton Wendell Rockhill

Larchwood, IA Milton W. Rockhill, age 93 of Larchwood, IA died Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Lafayette Regional Health Center in Lexington, Missouri. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 1st at United Church of Christ in Larchwood, IA with Pastor Kelly Volk, officiating. Burial will follow in Larchwood Cemetery at Larchwood. Visitation will be Thursday, May 1st one hour prior to the service at the church. The Jurrens Funeral Home of Larchwood is handling arrangements. Milton Wendell Rockhill was born on December 21, 1914, the son of Oscar and Hulda Constance (Bahnson) Rockhill on the family farm near Larchwood. He grew up in Larchwood and graduated from the Larchwood High School and went on to Luther College. He was a semi pro baseball player and after his career he umpired many baseball games. On June 25, 1936, Milton was united in marriage to Eleanor Parks at the United Church of Christ in Sioux Falls, SD. Following their marriage they farmed near Larchwood and raised their family of ten children. After retirement, Milton and Eleanor spent their winters in Higden, Arkansas. Eleanor passed away on June 6, 1994. On December 7, 1996, Milton was remarried to Norma Rogers in the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids. Milton was an active member of the United Church of Christ in Larchwood. He served on the elevator board in Larchwood and was an active member of the Shrine and Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed fishing and went on an annual fishing trip to Canada in June of every year. Miltons passion was horses and had them for his children to enjoy as they were growing up. In the 1980s, he went on a week long cattle drive. For his birthday they had a horse drive in downtown Higginsville, MO. Milton won 3rd place in the World Champion Missouri Trotters Horse Show. Milton loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Milton is survived by nine children: Gail (husband Glen) Vander Zwaag of Hull, IA, Jane Larimore of St. Louis Park, MN, Owen (wife Paula) Rockhill of Lexington, MN, Ronald (wife Cindy) Rockhill of Oakdale, MN, Connie (Victor) Kauzlarich of Bates City, MO, Milton Wendell Jr. Rockhill of Independence, MO, Rex (wife Pam) Rockhill of Stafford, VA, Randall Rockhill of Colfax, IA and Lori Rockhill-Gray (husband W. N.) Gray of Higginsville, MO; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; one step-son, Jeffrey Rogers of Dallas, TX; three step-daughters: Dori Rogers-Hardlicka (husband David) Hardlicka of Chamberlain, SD, Cindy L. Rogers of Shakopee, MN and Cheri Rogers of Brainerd, MN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor; second wife, Norma; son, Gary Rockhill; three brothers: Leslie, Robert and Ellis Rockhill; and two sisters: Mabel Rockhill and Rozetta Raymond. Memorials are preferred to the Shriners Childrens Hospital.