Joe Rocha

ROCHA, Joe
of Kalamazoo Passed away February 23, 2010 at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born October 5, 1937 in Brownsville, TX to the late Antonio and Alvira Villarreal Rocha. Joe was united in marriage on December 8, 1984 to the former Darlene Van Vleet, who survives. Joe proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from July of 1954 until honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant, in July of 1970. He also served in the Michigan National Guard for several years and a mailman for Kalamazoo for 21 years. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo. He was a counselor for drug and alcohol abusers, for 15 years. Also surviving Joe are his children; Lisa K. Michael Buchanan of Portage, Jonathon Dona Rocha of Kalamazoo, Joseph Melissa Rocha of Battle Creek, Laurie Robert Drenth Rocha of Kalamazoo, Lana Patrick Stier of Kalamazoo, Leiann Rocha of Kalamazoo and Lynette Steve Esman Rocha of Portage; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brothers, Peter Nancy Ruelas, Rudy Theresa Ruelas and Joe Rocha; step-children, Suzanne Knight and Scott Moser; six step-grandchildren; several step-great grandchildren; aunts and uncles, Irene Escobedo, Ramona Olivares and Dominga Gutierrez; 16 nieces and nephews; and several cousins. Also preceding Joe in death was; the mother of his children, Janet Rocha; brother, Eugene Rocha; step-children, Chris and Earl Moser. Family will greet friends on Thursday from 6-8:00 o'clock and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8:00 o'clock, where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 o'clock, Friday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Services will take place Saturday, 1:00 o'clock at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake Street, Monsignor Michael Hazard, Celebrant. Committal service will follow at the Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Church. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508 As a little boy Joe and his family would travel to Michigan in the summers with many other Hispanics to pick the abundant produce of South West Michigan. One faithful winter there was an early snow and the family was snowed in, they decided to establish roots in Kalamazoo. Joe was raised on the north side of Kalamazoo in the loving arms of his family. He went to school at Lincoln and when he was 16 he joined the Marines. He married Janet J. Miller and started a family. He served 3 over sea tours and received several commendations and citations; including Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, and Pistol Expert Badge. With his growing family of seven kids now moved to Kalamazoo Joe left the military and became a postman serving the Kalamazoo area for several years. In 1984 Joe married Darlene Van Vleet. He continued to serve in the National Guard for several years recruiting many a young man to join and serve. When he retired from the post office, Joe was unable to sit on his accomplishments. He went back to school and earned a certificate to be a counselor for those in need of help with drug and alcohol abusers. He helped hundreds with their addictions as well as fight his own and earned 21 years of sobriety. Joe contracted cancer and fought a two year battle. He worked right till his last days helping those who needed his gentle support. He leaves behind a family who was with him till the end and countless lives who are better because he had touched it.