Obituary of Gerald S. Rock

Gerald S. "Jerry" Rock, 69, of Port Isabel, Texas, formerly of Duluth, entered eternity Thursday, June 2, 2016, in Ecumen Scenic Shores, Two Harbors. Jerry was born in Duluth June 29, 1946, to Lyle and Florence (Beaudin) Rock. A 1964 Denfeld High graduate and drafted by the U.S. Army, Jerry was awarded 4 Bronze Service Star medals in the Vietnam War. Suffering Agent Orange health issues and eventually classified as 100% disabled, Jerry returned to employment opportunities among: U.S. Steel, owning and operating a Grand Lake club, owning and operating an upholstery business, owning and operating a daycare, hobby farming and training dogs which included the Arrowhead Kennel Club. When able, he loved dancing. Jerry was an avid boater on Caribou Lake, Grand Lake, Lake Superior, Port Isabel waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. Jerry was a member of the Duluth Power Squadron. He gracefully endured dealing with health issues saying, "Just another bump in the road." He was a devout Christian loving God and especially loved His word and genuinely enjoyed seeing the good in all. Jerry's dedication and service to fellow veterans, especially to the Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans, was most often used at various VA facilities. He will be remembered best for his love of family, friends and people. Jerry is survived by his loving family: wife Deb; children Douglas (Amy) Rock of Minneapolis, Jillian (Matt) Vaillancourt of Phoenix and Alicia Rock and Dustin Rock, both of Cloquet; grandchildren Bayley and Isabelle Rock, Adelae Vaillancourt and Elli and Ryan Willoughby; brother Tom of Notre Dame, Ind.; sister Eileen (Damas) Grebinowski of Duluth; and family and friends. The family thanks the staff at Ecumen Scenic Shores for the loving, attentive care in Jerry's final days. A GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 6 until the 7 p.m. memorial service Tuesday, June 28, in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 4 Elizabeth Ave., Esko. Military Honors will be provided by the Cloquet Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, direct memorials to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society. Jerry will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, (218) 624-5200.