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.
Cary Kyle
04/28/2020
Deb was truly one of the sweetest people I've ever known and was such a beautiful soul. I am so grateful that I was able to spend a part of my life with you. I will always be your "Dork!". Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Patty Ryan
04/27/2020
I met Deb at Longfellow school. She was a leader in education! She brought so much love, dedication, and support to education! But she loved to laugh! She and Lisa made everyone laugh! I have always missed the good times from Longfellow! Love you Deb! So glad I knew you in my life!
Lucy Stam
04/27/2020
Nearly a year ago, Deb and I made the discovery that we both have schleroderma. I've only met one other person in my life with it. It was a very emotional connection and we both cried, not because we were sad but because it felt so comforting to talk with someone who also shares in it. I was quick to point out that Deb's pain and issues were far more severe than mine, as I have a much less severe form, but she would not allow me to down play it. After this moment, Deb and I shared a special connection. I was ALWAYS struck by her resilience, positivity and motivation to keep going despite being in such pain. She always had a smile on her face and always asked about me, my children and never complained. She was selfless. My heart breaks for her life ending too soon, for her family and all the lives she touched and would have touched. What a special soul! Thanks for your love Deb! I'll never forget your strength.
Dawn Cooley
04/27/2020
They say our cousins are our first friends and that is so true! Oh my goodness the memories I have! I loved coming to your house to play. We all played Bonnie and Clyde, we ate mulberries until our hands and faces were a mess! And the tobogganing fun we had down the side of the levee. You had your invisible friends and they were there for you when you were bored:) then there were our camping adventures! We played in the pine needles at Beeds Lake, which lake was it we all decided to walk around? (I believe it was RedHaw.) We got lost. Got back to the campground and thought we were gonna be in big trouble but instead our Mom's were so happy to see us! You and Nape fell into that thorn bush. But, you held him up and saved him from getting hurt! And we all laughed! We were all covered with ticks when we got back. Remember playing at the gravel pit while our Dad's fished? We played like we were on the moon! Our mini bikes. You picking me up and taking me to school at East High School. You didn't like it when I skipped school. We lost our Aunt Dorothy, our Grandma, our cousin Johnny. You lost your Mom, your nephew, your sister, your Dad. I was so happy when you found Kurt. He was the love of your life. I'm gonna miss you at our Grandma Powell birthday luncheon. I'm just plain gonna miss you! Rest in peace Deb, my sweet cousin!
Sally Heidt
04/27/2020
Knowing you and spending time together has been a lovely part of life, not only for me but for all who knew you! From deep discussions to long hard laughs, you brought light to our lives!
Your light will light up heaven and you will be blessed up there with angels! ...in our hearts forever!
Max Berger
04/27/2020
I will miss Ms. Schroeder. She helped me learn to write stories.
Trish gerena
04/27/2020
I have done Deb's hair for over 25 years, so I know all her secrets. I really can't believe she's gone! Peace be with your family and husband. I'll buy that extra butter for you Deb. Forever I will miss our time together!
Tracy Lepeltak
04/27/2020
I was lucky enough to work with Deb for six years at Cowles Montessori in Des Moines schools. As many have said she was a gifted and inspirational educator. She was also a worrier by nature. She worried that she wasnt doing enough for the students and worried that she wanted to have the right approach as a coach and she worried about everyones well-being whether it was academic or social or emotional. We laughed together and cried together and worried together. Through all of the struggles with scleroderma, she put on such a brave face. I greatly admired her strength. I am grateful that I got to know her as well as I did.
Heidi Peters
04/27/2020
Although I never met Deb, I know how important she was to my dad Don Powell and my mom Sally Heidt The time they would spend with them is priceless and We would always talk on the phone when they were together! I am so sad to hear Of her passing, and can only pray that she is in a better, blessed place now! My hearts and prayers go out to the entire family, God bless.
Sheryl silvers
04/27/2020
To a sweet, beautiful ,kind and funny lady , I had the pleasure of being your friend , Thanks for the memories . Love you Dear friend . Sheryl silvers
Katherine Hermsen
04/27/2020
I am saddened by the death of my dear friend "Rock" Gone way too soon... I am blessed to have so many lasting memories that make me smile,, make me laugh,, and make me feel so grateful to call her "my friend" . Till we meet again.
Lisa Cardamone
04/27/2020
I'm not saying goodbye we've talked about this. We always said "see you later with an I love you." You will always and forever be my soul sister, my friend my love. But before we part I want to ask you a question. "Will you be my guardian angel"? I know you always like being one step ahead of me. Being my guardian angel is the perfect job for you. Love you my dear sister.
Cheryl Sease
04/27/2020
To Deb's family and friends, I can't imagine your feelings of loss. I was so fortunate to know her as a friend of a friend. What a bright, delightful gal with such heart an a smile always on her face.
Michael Alleo
04/27/2020
had the privilege of working with Deb for one school year (2017-2018). The first thing I noticed was her smile, the second thing I noticed right away was her passion for students. She always had an encouraging word and always exhibited positive energy. It was such a pleasure working with her for that one year and I will always have Positive memories of her. To her family, you are in my thoughts and you are in my prayers. And I pray that God gives you that peace that surpasses all understanding and Im sure Deb is smiling from up above
Gino
04/27/2020
Kurt she will be missed loved her dearly like a sister, love you like a brother stay strong have faith will get thru together