Kenneth L. Rocha, 77, of Oakdale, CA, died unexpectedly from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident on Sunday evening, December 1, 2024. Kenneth was born to Kenneth R. and Arline Deniz Rocha on February 22, 1947, in Modesto, CA, and grew up in the small towns of Crows Landing, Hilmar, and Hickman as his father was in the dairy business. His mother noted that he was a smiling, happy child who was strong, energetic, and adventurous.
His high school years were spent at Hughson High School, where he was an award-winning athlete in football, wrestling, and track. It was at Hughson High where he met a classmate, Janice Stewart, who had the same adventurous spirit, and together they ziplined, snorkeled, and hiked their way through five continents, five Disney Parks, and 57 years of marriage.
Ken was a veteran of the US Army, serving in Germany and making lifelong friendships. Upon returning from Germany, he obtained his AA degree from Modesto Jr. College, made Industrial Sales and Services his primary career, and upon retirement worked part-time as a courier with Unity of Stockton. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oakdale, a Eucharistic Minister, member of Knights of Columbus, and past member of Optimist Club and Lions Club.
His greatest achievement, however, was his love of family. He was born into a large, fun-loving Portuguese family and had an abundance of female cousins. He loved challenging them at games like building hay bale mazes with Cynthia and Christine, playing board and card games, and teasing Mary Ann when he won (even though she said he cheated), and dancing with them at Portuguese Festas.
He had the same fun-loving spirit with his own family and was frequently showing his son, Steven how to “fix” things, putting a new engine in grandpa’s farm truck, and, of course, “exterior illumination” at Christmastime. Likewise with his daughter Andrea, he also showed her how to “fix” things, bought her her own set of tools, and sat through every choral and dance recital she ever performed in. He repeated this performance with much pride with his grandchildren Kenny, JC, Nat, and Sam.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth R. and Arline Deniz Rocha. He is survived by his wife, Janice, children Steven Rocha (Shannon), Andrea Cook (Scott), grandchildren Kenneth Rocha (Jessica), Jessica-Cade Rocha, Natalie Rocha, and Samuel Rocha, and his two-month-old sweetheart, great-granddaughter Meadow Guadalupe Rocha. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene Shelburne, of Turlock, and “wrestling buddies”, Rick, Randy, Richie, and Lisa.
In keeping with his wishes, Ken will be cremated. A Rosary and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Remembrances/Donations may be made to Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Mary’s Church, 1225 Olive St., Oakdale CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Dec. 11, 2024
