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.
Larry and Peggy Fisk
04/28/2020
To my cousin Deb. I hope you know that you filled our lives with happiness. Your loving spirit touched everyone that knew you. You are, and will always be, forever missed. We are sending our prayers of comfort to all family members as you carry her in your hearts forever.
Laura Van Gundy
04/28/2020
All these beautiful messages. A great tribute to the person Deb was her whole life. I knew Deb as a small child and send my thoughts and prayers to her family.
Dawn Larsen
04/28/2020
Deb was a beautiful spirit. Her smile lit up a room and her laughter was infectious! I will miss seeing her walking the halls of Cowles and having our conversations during breaks. Her faith and positive attitude throughout this last journey were inspiring. She was a great support and good friend. She always made you feel like she had all the time in the world to talk to you and she was genuinely interested in what youd have to say. Her absence will be felt deeply. Prayers to her family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing her with us every day.
Howard Kulzer
04/28/2020
I first met Deb when we played sand volleyball together at The Sands. Our team was made up of educators, and she was always willing to share her wisdom and philosophy of teaching reading with us. She was a joy to be with.
Kristi Curtis
04/28/2020
Deb coached/mentored me when I first started teaching at Stowe 16 years ago. Her warm smile eased my first year jitters and her incredible knowledge of teaching reading supported me through that year. I learned so much from her during that time. I remained connected with her over the years. She'd find me from across a room during a PD and make a point to connect with me. I loved seeing her posts about enjoying life at the lake. I am thinking about her loved ones, including the Cowles community, during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was an incredible person and a devoted educator.
Lori Hay!!
04/28/2020
Deb I didn't know you were ill and I feel bad I didn't get to say good bye. you were a great and best friend. we had some great memories , that I will never forget! rip my friend I love you.
Nate & Erin Reagen
04/28/2020
This is such a loss to the community and our hearts go out to her family and all those she touched.
Avon Crawford
04/28/2020
I first met Deb at Harding Hills where her laughter filled the space. She could find joy in even the mundane. Deb was instrumental in our work to implement a comprehensive literacy program in DMPS. She went from being a colleague to being a friend. For the last 15 years, she and the rest of our literacy team have met for dinner and lots of talk and laughs every month or two. The retreats we had at her and Kurts cabin in the Ozarks every summer are filled with so many happy memories. Deb, my dear friend, you are so missed already, but your shining spirit will always be with us.
Sawyer Lowe
04/28/2020
I will miss you, Ms. Schroeder. You were a good teacher and friend. Thank you for helping me be a better reader.
Dave and Louisa Dykstra
04/28/2020
Deb was always a ray of sunshine in the halls at Cowles. She will be missed greatly.
Chris Taylor
04/28/2020
Deb is the person that coined my nickname, Tay-Tay! She will be missed. I loved her spirit! So positive, caring & generous. Her smile was contagious, she loved to laugh. Her dedication & advocation for her students, those she coached & education is commendable. She is an inspiration. I will also miss her yummy cookies! I love you Deb, you will forever be a dear friend. Kurt & family, you are in my thoughts & prayers. As well as Lisa & Gino Cardamone.
Emily and Harrison Elliott
04/28/2020
Deb was such a wonderful educator and outstanding human! We will miss her amazing spirit in the halls of Cowles and we will forever remember all she taught us. She was a joy to know.
Joy Fischer
04/28/2020
Deb was my friend, coach, and mentor for the last seven years at Cowles Montessori School. We would spend countless hours together to figure out how to best serve our students. Then we would spend countless hours solving all of our personal problems on the phone! She was someone who would listen, give you courage, love, prayer, good vibes, and then shine her beautiful smile. I will miss your wisdom, laughter, and kind heart. Rest peacefully, sweet friend.
Kris Mesicek Anderson
04/28/2020
Deb has always been a shining light for so many. I first met her when she was at Longfellow and I was in Staff Development. She had such a passion for kids and was a natural leader for her fellow teachers. Deb gave so much to so many and her spirit lives on in our hearts.
Kerry Sanders
04/28/2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time! Im so grateful for the phone conversations with Deb. She gave me Hope when speaking with her. She will always be my scleroderma sister and will forever be in my heart.