Donald L Rock

Donald Lee Rock, 84 years old, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at St. Joseph Regional Med Center in Mishawaka. He was born October 17, 1936 in South Bend to the late Fred Sr. and Elva (Anderson) Rock. On September 24, 1966 in South Bend, Donald married the love of his life, Trena Neal, who preceded in him in death in 2016. He loved Trena dearly and would do anything for her, sometimes begrudgingly so.

Donald was an extremely hard worker. He worked in food service at the University of Notre Dame for 25 years before retiring in 2006. He would also go around and shovel snow for anyone he could, no matter how much snow fell. It could be a blizzard and he would be out there. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame Football, never missing a game. He also loved Cubs baseball, Westerns with John Wayne, betting on bingo and going to the casino. He would always look forward to going out to breakfast at Allies or going to yard sales. He was also the biggest flirt. He loved to make all the nurses and pretty women smile. He always dressed nice when going out and was the clumsiest dancer around. He also enjoyed every opportunity being with his best friend, Buster.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Tammie (Don) Hill, Donna Rock, and Krystal Rock – all of South Bend; grandchildren, Zachary Kidd, Tara Johnston, Jacqlynn Johnston, and Star Rock; step-grandchildren, Grace, Adrienne, Alisha, Dezera, Audrey, Brandon, and TJ; great-grandchildren, Angelina Johnson, Amayah Johnson, Brooklyn Vergauwen, Theodore Vergauwen, Adrianna Vergauwen, Savanna Vergauwen, Timothy Lakey, and Joseph Lakey.

Along with his parents and loving wife, Trena, Donald is preceded in death by his step-granddaughter, Courtney; sisters, Alvena Ward and Susie Wiggington; brothers, Fred Rock, Jr., Paul Rock, Jim Rock, Chuck Rock, Gene Rock, and Bud Rock; and his best friend, Buster.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday, December 11, at Palmer Funeral Home - River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN. The service will follow at 12:00 p.m.  Burial will occur at a later date at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. 

Contributions in honor of Donald Lee Rock may be made to the Humane Society of St Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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