Having lived well with Parkinson's Disease for 34 years, Stan Rock, 82, died peacefully at Resthaven Care Center on August 3, 2019 with family gathered around him.
Stanley Arthur Rock was the first of six sons born to Stan and Helen (Slaybaugh) Rock in Pontiac, Michigan. Two half siblings were later born to Helen and Francis DeLongChamp.
After graduating from Walled Lake High School as valedictorian, Stan attended the University of Michigan, completing BA and MA degrees. During this time he became president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship as well as president of U of M Council of Religious Organizations. Following graduation Stan joined the staff of InterVarsity, advising and coaching chapters throughout New England.
In 1963 Stan entered Western Theological Seminary earning his M.Div degree and was ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament of the Reformed Church in America.
During a brief time following graduation while serving as Assistant Secretary of Translations at the American Bible Society, Stan was commissioned as a Chaplain in the Naval Reserves serving 26 years and achieving the rank of Captain.
Stan served pastorates at the Blawenburg Reformed Church in New Jersey and the Collegiate Church (RCA) at Drake University, Des Moines, IA. During this time of campus ministry, he completed his Ed.D degree and developed a model for premarital and marital counseling using small group methodology.
In 1976 Stan was called to Western Seminary where he served as Florence M. Charavay Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling for 24 years. Stan wore many hats at the Seminary, served on a number of task forces and committees of the RCA and served on the Board of Trustees at Central College, Pella, IA.
Stan was an avid reader and a fierce competitor on the racquetball court. He enjoyed numerous friendships, traveling, Shakespeare at Stratford, and the yearly family Beach House time.
Stan is survived by his wife and care companion of 56 years, Nancy; daughters, Lisa (Jim Schulze), Amy (Greg) Conway, Julie; grandchildren, Terri and Jack Conway; brothers and sister, Don (Louise), Jim (Pat), Ed, Robert (Karen), Danny (Marie), Mary (Paul) Mandigo, Peter (Sheila) DeLongChamp; sister-in-law Bonnie (Martin) Price.
The family gratefully acknowledges the love and care given to Stan by the staff of the Day Center of Evergreen, Resthaven Care Center, and Hospice of Holland as well as the pastors and people of Hope Church.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 8, 11 a.m., at Hope Church, 77 W. 11th St., visitation at Hope Church on Wednesday, August 7 from 4-7 and one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be given to the above organizations, Western Seminary or a Parkinson's organization. The family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. To leave a condolence and more information, please visit
www.langelandsterenberg.com
.
