Dennis D. Rocole

Dennis Dae Rocole, 74, of Geneva passed away at his home on August 4th, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born in Geneva, Nebraska on February 13, 1948, the oldest of four boys, to Warren and Doris (Brower) Rocole. Dennis and his brothers fondly remember their father referring to them as numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Dennis spent his youth enjoying playing the organ for many organizations. After graduating from Geneva High School in 1966, he was drafted. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving from November 14, 1966 to October 2, 1970. He was assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier and served in Vietnam. After returning home, he spent two years in the Navy Reserve. In April of 1971, he married the love of his life, Twila Bronson. They met at a Strang baseball game before Dennis went into the Navy. The couple settled in Geneva for almost all of their 51 years of marriage raising three children; Shannen Lee, Tracy Warren, and Wendi Warren. In 1973, Dennis and his brother Galen purchased the Geneva bowling alley and following the sale of this business in 1988, he spent his time driving a school bus for both Geneva and Shickley Public Schools. He loved the kids. He enjoyed greeting the students after school, and they often said how much they enjoyed having him as their bus driver to school and sporting events. After he retired, Dennis and Twila spent many long weekends camping at the lake with his family. When Twila retired, they spent the last ten years traveling. Many adventures across the countryside were experienced with their travel companions, brother Larry and wife Jacque. His final trip with Twila was in December 2021 to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Plans to visit the north rim of the Canyon in April 2022 were delayed when he was diagnosed with cancer in January of this year. Dennis enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, Nebraska football, fishing with his sons and especially watching his grandchildren play sports. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Harold and Ruth Rocole and Tom and Annie Brower; parents Warren and Doris Rocole; and father and mother-in-law Tracy and Pauline Bronson; and nephew BJ Rocole. He is survived by his wife Twila Rocole, of Geneva; sons, Shannen Rocole and special friend Veronica Harder, of Geneva, and Tracy (Holly) Rocole, of Hickman; daughter Wendi (Greg) Jeffers, of Lincoln; six grandchildren, Alexis Rocole, Kirsten and Kayla Rocole, and Eli, Grace and Brody Jeffers; brothers, Larry (Jacque) Rocole of Hebron, Galen (Kathy) Rocole of Milford, and Bruce (Pat) Rocole of Exeter; sisters-in-law Martha (Chris) Kovanda, of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Carolyn (Roger) Eberle of Coburg, Oregon; brother-in-law Charles (Brenda) Bronson, of Doniphan; and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service for Dennis was held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva. Pastor David Nickel presided over the Funeral Service. Nancy Cradduck accompanied the congregation in the singing of “How Great Thou Art” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” She also accompanied Gaylord Cradduck in the singing of “Amazing Grace.” The recorded selection “Anchors Aweigh” was played as the recessional song. Pallbearers for the Funeral Service included Scott Rocole, Tiffany Rocole, Andrew Rocole, Conner Rocole, Lary Leigh Holtzen, Matt Rocole, Paul O’Brien and Bill Reinsch. It was Dennis’ wish to be cremated following the Funeral Service and a private Committal of Ashes will take place at a later date. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Veteran’s Memorial Park, C/O Donna Norrie 518 N 12th Street, Geneva, NE 68361.

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Dennis D. Rocole

August 4, 2022