Deborah Rock-Schroeder
April 25, 2020
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Service Details
Deborah Diane Rock-Schroeder, 59, passed away on April 25, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Hospital Methodist Campus, Rochester, MN. She was born in Des Moines, on November 22, 1960 to James and Mildred (Powell) Rock.
Deb was an Educational Instructional Coach and mentor through the school system. Her passion for teaching, especially the Montessori philosophy which fit her beliefs on teaching and learning, was felt by all.
She thoroughly embraced life no matter what obstacles were in her way, prioritizing faith, hope and positivity, even to the end. A chance encounter with Deb usually led to a connection and a friend who would immediately discover her spunk and love for life.
She enjoyed spending time with friends, family and her teaching community through her career. She also enjoyed camping, spending time at her cabin, being outside and being with her faithful companions, Kurt and Java.
Deb is survived by her husband, Kurt Schroeder; step daughter, Amy Schroeder (fiancé, Jameson Schaefer); sister, Donna Rock-Wenzl; brother, Jim (Suzanne) Rock; nieces and nephews, Abbey Djuric, Lauren (William) Linahon, James (Tonya) Joseph Rock III, Lindsey Rock, Nicole Rock, Isabel (Jacob) Roloff, Nico (Lauren) Garreton; as well as other loving family and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Toni Rock-Garreton; and nephew, Tomas Garreton.
There will be a parade style visitation outside (weather permitting) 4:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. If there’s inclement weather the visitation will be held inside of the funeral home. Private family services, by invitation only, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at the funeral home. Following funeral services, there will be a private burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel, Iowa.
Due to public gatherings being limited to 10 people or less, please join the family virtually for Deb’s funeral. A link will be provided on Wednesday. We encourage friends to share their sympathies with her family using Hamilton’s online condolences at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Scleroderma Foundation or American Cancer Society in loving memory of Deb.
William "WC" Brown (Sherri's Husband)
07/03/2020
To the Schroeder Family, I didn't know Ms Rock had passed away. She was an absolute joy to know and she was a great friend to my wife Sherri. They had great times together with the Longfellow crew and that's what I remember the most. My heart dropped when Billie Jo Crop sent me a facebook message about Deb's passing. She will be missed greatly. However, I know we will always cherish the wonderful memories of her and we will live on in the joy she brought to all of us. I'm sure she's probably taking the roll on the little angels in Heaven. Her work is not done. She's a spiritual teacher now. We send love and condolences from the Brown family. God Bless.
Jim Christakos
05/03/2020
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Deb during her Longfellow years. She had an unforgettable laugh and amazing sense of humor. She loved playing pranks which were a great release from the work week. So many good times at Y-Camp as well. I caught my love of Kenny G music from Deb as that was her background music while writing her lesson plans after school. Such a great teacher and human being. May her memory be eternal!
Rick Nisser
05/02/2020
To family and friends of Deb's I send my heartfelt condolences. Deb and I were classmates from Hiatt to graduation and East High. I regretted losing contact after high school and thought of her fondly over the years. I will always remember Deb as a fun and upbeat girl who treated everyone she encountered with kindness and respect. Deb was one of the good guys !! May she rest in peace !!
Beverley Gabel
05/01/2020
Deb is my husband Ned's cousin. I first met her and husband Kurt when they visited us in Washington State years ago. Although we have only traveled back to Iowa once since then, Deb (Debbie to my husband!) and Kurt felt like family to me from the moment we first met.
Kurt, our hearts go out to you and other family members. We are praying for strength and comfort for each of you.
She was a believer and follower of Christ. All others who believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and follow Him, will see her again one day.
We look forward to that.
Be comforted by the Lord our God.
Patsy Pomeroy
04/29/2020
My dear cousin Deb n Family, you are sleeping In peace as our hearts ?? are breaking. Death is a Enemy we cant avoid right now, but soon death will be no more Rev 21:3-4,. We had so much fun playing at Grandma n Grandpa Rocks old house .I remember going fishing with you and you Dad down by the river and someone throwing rocks at us., your dad went after him ,and I took you by the hand and ran up the hill with you. We were so scared. Recently getting together for visits and family reunions ., you and Kurt always opened your home to us ,and made the prettiest breakfast Ive seen . Family was always welcome., we laughed together cried together because we were laughing so hard. I well miss but never forget you my dear dear sweet cousin. Im so sorry for our loss, and the rest of the family loss .until we meet again. I well always ?? love and miss you ., your cousin forever Patsy.
Sue Jenkins Krekel
04/29/2020
What a beautiful funeral. Peace, love and hugs to you my friend.
Molly Tedesco
04/29/2020
I had the special and unique opportunity to teach with Deb in several schools, She was my mentor but most of all a very dear friend. I loved the twinkle in her as she laughed, her spunk and her caring. She was truly a prize!!
Lisa Krech
04/29/2020
I was lucky to work with Deb at both Garton and Longfellow. She was a master at her craft, and I learned a great deal from her. The Longfellow gang were involved in many shenanigans, usually orchestrated by Deb or Lisa C. We had many laughs together. I will miss her bright smile and laughter. DMPS has lost a great one.
Deb Davis
04/29/2020
Deb, your beautiful smile will forever have a special place in my heart. I loved following you on Facebook. Its been years since we had seen each other but your were a special part of my life years ago. RIP. Much love.
Lori Myers
04/29/2020
Rock, Rocky, Pea, lot of nicknames over the years. I met Deb in 1987 as a first year teacher at Longfellow-she had been there only a year or 2 before that. Being young professionals, we found each other and soon developed a strong friendship. In the 90s, we were mostly inseparable. We were roommates, workmates and most memorably playmates, peas in a pod, we always said. From SENIOM SED on Fridays (dont think we missed many!) to shooting a crazy tv show, along with a Tasty Taco commercial, and so many more, we really had fun. We could cry together, too, going through heartbreaks and heartaches. Along the way, any of Debs friends became my friends, my friends, hers. She has a lot of best friends, and I shared with my son that she was best at being my best friend. Finally, she planned and hosted the most amazing baby shower, ever. I mean, ever-ever (not because it was mine). Today, my son, Gary, who first called her Aunt Tubby (Debbie was hard to say), still keeps the baby blanket on his bed that was made at that shower by the attendees. Amazing. I will remember all the fun and laughter-you helped me become the person I am -the good parts??Peace always!
Patricia Williamson
04/28/2020
I will miss your smiling face! I am glad I had a chance to work with you! You were always so kind and truly devoted to the students you worked with! You were so positive and encouraging! Thanks for that! ??????
Lori Lyon
04/28/2020
Deb was such a kind soul, and also had a mischievous side that I absolutely adored. She was uninhibited and sound in her educational beliefs and was a stellar teacher and coach. Reading these posts from former students and co-workers would warm her heart. Her influence will certainly be missed.
Deborah Bordenaro
04/28/2020
I had the blessing of working with Deb at Edmunds and Morris. As an instructional coach, she was exceptionalI learned so much from her. I especially remember how skilled she was at teaching writing. She would model writing to the students....many times detailing her camping adventures and her dog Java. She was simply the best! As a coach, she had such a way of really being my partnerwhen in reality-she was the expert and I knew I had so much to learn from her! It was never intimidating or stressful working with Debshe was so sincere, kind, humble and always down for a good laugh! I loved every moment and am so grateful to have known her!! My deepest sympathy.
Kathy Poetting
04/28/2020
Deb has touched so many lives. She had a passion for teaching, helping children, and coaching teachers that was paralleled with her contagious smile and finding fun in life.
I've known Deb for about 18 years in different job situations. She always had the best interest of the students and coaching staff in mind, academically, socially, and emotionally. She challenged me to think deeply about literacy which made an impact on me.
We had so many laughs together from surrey rides to monkey paws to times at the lake home and games with her infectious laugh. You'll be a part of us forever.
Todd Scott
04/28/2020
Always enjoyed talking with Deb, whether it was at her home or at our business, Vic Scott Landscaping. Always a smile on her face and a great attitude. Prayers to the family.