Jack D. Rockefeller, 84, died on Friday, March 8, 2013, at Presbyterian Manor in Topeka, Kansas.
He was born May 26, 1928 to Francis Marion and Lois Frances Duff Rockefeller in Columbus, Kansas. He married Dorothy Fern Thomas on August 31, 1946; she preceded him in death in 2009. Jack and Dorothy were the parents of eight children. He is survived by his children, Pat Rockefeller and wife Glenda of Pomeroy, Washington; Lois Ann Rockefeller and husband Theron Cole of Abilene, Texas; John Rockefeller and wife Mare of Topeka, Kansas; Tim Rockefeller and wife Mary of McPherson, Kansas; Tom Rockefeller and wife Pera of Spokane, Washington; Jane Kofstad and husband Bob of Woodland, Washington; and Rebecca Rockefeller and husband Joe Reis of La Crescent, Minnesota; and brother-in-law Lloyd Thomas of Potomac, Maryland; as well as, 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Francis Rockefeller and by his brother, also Francis Rockefeller. He will be missed terribly by all of his family.
Mr. Rockefeller was a life-long teacher and coach and took great pleasure and pride in both roles. He began his teaching career in 1950 in southeastern Kansas and in 1952 took a position with the Clay Center Public Schools in Clay Center, Kansas serving on the faculty at the Junior High School as a history and social studies teacher and physical education teacher and head coach until his retirement in 1992. He attended Pittsburg State College and obtained a Bachelors in Education and a Masters in History at Kansas State University. He received many awards over the course of his career for his teaching expertise and for his dedication and service in the education of young people. He was a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center and a member of the Knights of Columbus and became a member of Christ the King Catholic Church after moving to Topeka when he retired.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Monday prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter, 4125 SW Gage Center Dr., Suite LL15, Topeka, Kansas, 66604.
Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements.