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.
Teresa Nelson
04/27/2020
Deb was always so kind and sweet and welcoming to me when I married Greg. She will be greatly missed. Prayers of peace and comfort to all of the family.
Keri Wolfe-Guess
04/27/2020
Deb was a mentor, coach, teacher, friend, role model, loved children and adults. She wore her heart on her sleeve. She gave many of us courage to face our fears of literacy and made it look easy! I miss her smile, sparkling blue eyes, constant positive comments, her love for her husband and joy in what she did. I have missed her since my retirement and am so sad I didn't see her one more time. Bless her heart.
Theresa Hansen
04/27/2020
Deb, I really enjoyed our friendship, and our neighborhood paling around, your were the nicest friend a person could every have. I will always keep those precious memories tucked in heart. Rest In Peace my dear friend. Theresa Hansen
Lynn Andlauer
04/27/2020
I grieve the loss of my dear friend, coach, and colleague. Deb gave me courage, a shoulder to lean on when I felt my failures. She modeled a passion for children and excellence in teaching. She gave permission to stretch, try and fail. She was always behind me with resources, suggestions and enthusiasm. She never gave judgement, but challenged me to reflect and evaluate myself as an educator. Going forward, I will honor her by trying to live up to the example she set for all of us in her faith, service and compassion.
One of my dearest memories of Deb is the trip to Washington, DC that we made together in March 2019. She was so full of wonder! I will always remember our fairly inappropriate Uranus jokes too.
Ill keep the Cowles candy jar full in your memory, Deb, so our teacher friends can sit, regroup, inspire each other and have some chocolate. You taught me the value of that. Ill miss you deeply, and I can only hope to live up to half the work we might have achieved together.
I miss you and love you forever. Thank you for blessing my life with yours. Lynn
Phyllis Witt
04/27/2020
Deb you were such a nice an caring person. You have been in my life for most of my life.You were so sweet to me and always had a love you.. Your Mom and Dad will love to have you back RIP I love you.
Maureen VanHook
04/27/2020
I have such great memories of Deb and I as kids. Janis Joplin, Steppenwolf, tie-dye'd everything, and Mary, the rat. We lost each other for many years. I'm so glad we had another opportunity to reconnect. You will be greatly missed, my friend ...
Sarah Finestead
04/27/2020
The first day we met in 7th grade we were both in the wrong classroom. We were sent to the Principal Office, OUR VERY FIRST DAY. From that day on our friendship grew and has been a bond I will forever cherish. All the times together camping, fire sits, bonfires, boating and just catching up over drinks. You are my "Rock". I loved you for 47 years and will have you in my heart and memories forever. Till we meet again. Love you, Sarah "Wickedsham."