Doris Eleanore Rockman passed peacefully on Nov. 30, 2024.
She was born on March 27, 1924, to Ed and Emma Anderson in Vesta Township, Redwood Falls, Minnesota. She was a caring, loving woman, and those traits were manifested in her chosen career as a registered nurse, in her volunteer efforts in the community, and as the best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother ever.
She was married to Eldred “Rocky” H. Rockman on June 19, 1946. Together they had six children, Judith, Leann, Darrell, James, Patricia and Cynthia. They survive her along with sons-in-law Steve, Jim, and Curtis, and daughter-in-law, Sharon. She is also survived by brother-in-law Tom.
Doris was dearly loved by her 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rocky, her parents, sister Lorraine, brother Alton, and their spouses and son-in-law Peter.
Mom was the inspiration and motivation for our family. While attending Echo High School in Echo, Minnesota, in the early 1940s, she was the only female in the chemistry class. After graduating high school in 1942, she entered the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis as a Cadet, with the intention of joining the war effort. However, by the time she graduated in 1945, the war was at an end and they no longer needed as many nurses. She pursued a career as a surgical and floor nurse at hospitals in Marshall, Jackson, and Pipestone, Minnesota. In Jackson she also served as director of nurses. She retired in 1984 as director of nursing at the Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne, Minnesota.
She is well-known in the community for her volunteering with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (now A.C.E.) in Luverne, assisting disabled adults at the Senior Center meal site, preparing meals at The Cottage and after retirement, volunteering at the Mary Jane Brown Home.
St. John Lutheran in Luverne was her spiritual home. She devoted many hours to teaching Stephen Ministry, helping with Little Lambs Preschool, and being active in other women’s groups at the church.
Many people will remember her and Rocky performing with the Kitchen Kut Ups, a volunteer musical group that shared their talents with whoever would listen. Dad played the guitar and Mom played the triangle.
We, her family, are thankful for her long and loving life. She will be deeply missed.
