Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
John Rocha
John Matthew Rocha, 90, of Augusta, passed away peacefully in hospice care at his home on Tuesday afternoon, July 14, 2026.
John was born on January 17, 1936, in Chicago, the son of John and Louise (Rodriguez) Rocha. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, attended grade school in Chicago, and graduated from high school there.
On November 5, 1955, John was united in marriage to Dorothy Jakubowski in Kansas City, Kansas. Together they built a loving home and raised their five children in Chicago. In 1986, the family purchased a home in Augusta, Wisconsin. Dorothy made Augusta her home while John continued working in Chicago, traveling to Augusta every other weekend to spend precious time with his family. Upon his retirement in 1998, he moved to Augusta permanently.
John spent his entire working career in shipping and receiving on the docks in Chicago. He was a proud member of Dock Workers Union Local 705, where he faithfully served as a union steward. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family.
A devoted Chicago Bears fan, John also loved taking his sons to White Sox games. He enjoyed league bowling for many years and treasured the friendships it brought. In later years, especially following Dorothy's passing, he found comfort in quieter pursuits. He enjoyed reading, challenging himself with crossword puzzles to keep his mind sharp, watching the daily news to stay informed about the world, and relaxing with classic black-and-white movies and westerns.
Family was the center of John's life. Having spent part of his childhood in an orphanage, he deeply valued the love and security of family. While John knew his share of sadness, he chose to live as the kind-hearted gentleman who greeted everyone with a sincere, “How are you doing?” and uplifted them with his own contagious philosophy: “I've never had a bad day in my life.'"
John will be dearly missed by his four sons, John Rocha Jr. of Elmhurst, Illinois, Anthony Rocha of Chicago, Joseph and Jerome Rocha, both of Augusta; daughter, Patricia (Michael) McDaniel of Oak Forest, Illinois; two sisters, Patricia (Bill) Omera of New Lenox, Illinois, Rosemary (Joe) Anaya of Chicago; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Joseph “Jake” Jakubowski of Berwyn, Illinois; along with many other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy on Nov. 18, 2014; parents, John and Louise Rocha; stepfather, Tony Gonzales; siblings, Joe, Jesse, and Anita Gonzales; and brothers-in-law, Raymond and LeRoy Jakubowski.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the East Lawn Cemetery in Augusta.
