1935
Samuel
2010
Samuel Rock
September 8, 1935 — July 16, 2010
S
amuel James Rock was born September 8, 1935 in Pine Point Township, rural Ponsford, MN to Reuben and Anna (White) Rock. He was raised and educated in Ponsford and in Park Rapids, graduating from Park Rapids High School in 1955. He received his Bachelors Degree from Metro State University in St. Paul, MN and, in 1998, was named the Metro State Outstanding Alumni. He earned his Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota – Duluth in 2008. Samuel was united in marriage to Janis French April 27, 1958 in Pine Point Township, rural Ponsford. They made their home in St. Paul where Samuel worked for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. He later worked for the U. S. Post Office; did real estate appraisals and served as a realty officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Phoenix, AZ and Minneapolis, MN. He and Janis divorced. He was united in marriage to Diane Mitchell in Phoenix, AZ in 1977. They moved to Minneapolis and later divorced. Samuel moved to Waubun, MN where he was the Executive Director for the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. He taught at Waubun High School from 2002 to the present.
Sam enjoyed time with his grandchildren, boxing, watching college football and a good hot dog.
He was a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, the Federal Retired Employees Group, served on the board of the White Earth Tribal College and enjoyed public speaking. He was a life-long learner and believed in the value of a good education.
Survivors include two daughters: Anne Rock of Phoenix, AZ, and Eve (Lee) Parmenter of Bemidji, MN. Three sons: Byron (Laura) Rock of Bemidji, MN, Randy Rock of St. Paul, MN, and Reuben (Samantha) Rock of Memphis, TN.
F
our grandchildren: Alexis Rock, Justin Heighton, Bailey Rock, and Benjamin Rock. Two great-grandchildren: Caleb Fogelquist and Christine Van Leeuwen. One brother: Rev. John (Hanna) Rock of Bemidji, MN, and four sisters: Mary (Andy) Favorite of Waubun, MN, Stella Rock of Roseville, MN , Anna (Tom) Magoris of Park Rapids, MN, and Philomine Dzorak of Mahnomen, MN.
H
e was preceded in death by a son, Robert, two brothers, Melvin
and
Reuben and his parents.
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