Michele & family,

So sorry to hear about Rocky. I enjoyed working with Rocky and have thought about him often over the past 30 years. My God ease the pain you are feeling at this time.

~ Bob Ashton - August 9, 2016

Rocky and I lived next door to each other when we were kids. We always had a fun time riding bikes and just setting around talking. I always thought it was so neat that all of the family had the same initials. It is so strange because for a few months off and on I had thought about him and Roger. I am a believer of our Lord Jesus Christ also. I pray for you all the peace that Jesus gives us. He was a good kid, after they all moved to the DeKalb area, I lost track of them. Many prayers for you all.

~ Pam Baublit-Manson - July 11, 2016

Oh, how I hate to hear this news.
Michelle, it's Jerry, Rocky's little buddy from Marley, back in 1981.
As a young punk kid of 20, Rocky was my mentor and big brother. He was assigned to me as the mentor or in other words, I was his junior apprentice. I left for California in 1984 but the one thing I had to do before leaving was come by your house to say goodbye. I did that, with my girlfriend at the time and that was the last time I saw him. We did keep in contact over the years, by letter, when people used to write letters. I missed him and tried to find him on internet searches but never did. I just found out that he was just a friend away, and I didnt know it.
I've thought about him and you many many times over the years. He was indelibly burned in to my conciseness as a gentle and strong man to look up to. I've NEVER forgotten his smile and voice and his protection of me. He literally put his own job on the line, when something, beyond my control, happened that I was blamed for, just weeks after starting my career at Marley. He got a kick out of how young and naive I was and then would smile, and shake his head.

I loved this man!

Jerry

~ Jerry whitworth - July 6, 2016

Michelle,we heard the news tonight from our son in law Kris Schaumburg that Rocky had passed away. Ron and I want you to know we are so very sorry and our prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

~ Debbie and Ron Conus - July 4, 2016

Michelle & Family:

I was sad to hear about Rocky. Rocky was great to work with at Marley/SPX.
He was always willing to help with any questions I had. His sense of humor just made my day.

My condolences,

~ Joyce LaFavor - July 2, 2016

My deepest sympathies and condolences to Michelle, Zachary and Joshua.

I first met Rocky in 1975 and we became fast friends. I too will put him right up there as one of the smartest, funniest and friendliest guys that I’ve ever known. I recall often meeting after work to play this new electronic game that Rocky bought called “Atari Pong”. Yes, he was amongst the very first gamers in the history of the world! The after hours get togethers at the local watering hole, Some Other Place, were a blast! Foosball tournaments at Rocky’s “bachelor pad”. This was before Michelle tamed him! Rocky had lightning fast reflexes on the Foosball table and sometimes all I would hear was a loud, “Waaaaak” as the ball speed past my defenders and slammed into the goal. He would just look at you, smile and say, “Waaaaak”, just to let you know that he had just schooled you! I remember one particular Beer Ball game that we used to play at Rosedale Park. Rocky hit a ball that sailed over everyone’s head. Like everything he did, he took this seriously. He was chugging around the bases and as he rounded third, heading for home, all you could see were arms and legs flailing! He lost is footing and face planted between third base and home. With everyone cheering him on, he gets up and crosses home plate for home run! Now these were friendly games, but I don’t think I can ever recall a time when both teams for cheering the batter on for a home run. He was just a likable guy!

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything!

Rest in Peace brother! May the spirit of Rock Cowger live forever!

~ Dean Newbold - July 1, 2016

Dearest Michelle and Family,

We are sorry we were out of state and were not able to give our condolences in person today.

Rocky was for sure a gentle giant. Our girls will always remember him bringing candy and Double Bubble to church when they were little. Caroline and Rocky had a special bond and he was her church grandpa.

Much love and prayers to you and your boys. I'm here if you need me!

~ Ray and Catherine Dugger - June 30, 2016

To the Cowger family.......... my sincere sympathy when I read about Rocky.
I'm sorry I could not attend the service due to my back surgery. Rocky and I had a lot of good and sometimes and not so good experiences working togther
for 41 years. He was a great guy. I had no idea he had cancer. I have a Marley 75 year anniversery book with his picture of our group that we worked in. We had a lot of laughs together.

Mike Eifler

~ Michael Eifler - June 30, 2016

I had completely lost touch w/ Rocky after my move to CA in 1971, but he was one of my very dearest friends in my high school years. I will never forget the sound of that black Chevy coming into town, his thoughtful and kind ways. Ronnie was just a toddler and Rocky loved him very much and always had funny stories to tell. I'm sure Ramona had her hands full w/ the teenage influence on a toddler! I'm so very thankful to know that Rocky had a cherished family and I send heartfelt sympathy to all. You were blessed by the best.

~ Terry Elder - June 30, 2016

Dear Michele and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Rocky. He always had a smile and a laugh to share with his friends and co-workers. He will be greatly missed! I pray you will find comfort in knowing he had a special place in our hearts and that he is at Home with our Lord.

~ Kathy Pullen - June 30, 2016

Rocky was so kind, friendly and loving. I treasure the many family gatherings with him, especially the family birthday parties he and Michele would host for Zachary and Joshua as they grew from babies into men. I will miss rocky's smile.

~ Jennifer Olson - June 29, 2016

I met many people on my first day at Marley, but for some reason my introduction to Rocky always stuck out in my mind because he seemed like such a nice, genuine person. The subsequent 11 years I spent working with Rocky more than proved that first impression out. My kids are about the same age as his grandkids and Rocky and I would swap stories as they grew. When my second daughter was about to be born, Rocky made it clear to me that I needed to let him know as soon as she was born. Not wanting to disappoint him, he was the first non-family member on the message I sent out when she was born. I'll deeply miss the smile he would put on my face and the perspective he would provide about what is important in life. I'll always be thankful I had the opportunity to know him. My deepest sympathies to his family.

~ Dan Peterson - June 29, 2016

Rocky was a true friend. We were co-workers for years and after that we often met for lunch. We always met at the same place and each had the same beef burrito platter. The folks at Jose Peppers got to know us through the years. We started with bad seats for the first few meals but ended up in the front. We joked that we were too rowdy but I think everyone just wanted to be in on the fun. We laughed a lot, told mostly the same stories each time, and just caught up on family. So many good memories. Michelle, Zach, Josh, and little ones, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

~ John and Diane Ahern - June 29, 2016

Michele - I owe Rocky more than I would have ever been able to repay him for, like his knowledge, but more importantly his friendship - I'll miss his smile and his stories, they always made things a little easier around here at work - Please keep in touch and let me know how the boys are doing, as well as the grandbabies - Lord knows he loved you all very much - one of the things I remember him saying (a long time ago) was "friends are the family you choose for yourself"... he was definitely a friend and I'll miss him dearly...

~ Eric Woods - June 29, 2016

I can't think of a single time that I saw Rocky when he didn't have a big smile and a "How ya doing buddy?", even when he was obviously in pain. I will miss Rocky...and his stories...boy, did he have some stories! It makes me happy to know he is now pain free and in the presence of our Lord Jesus. I hope I feel his presence in my life every single day. My condolences to Michele, Zach and Joshua for your unbearable loss.

~ Nick Steiner - June 29, 2016

Ramona I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your son. Since we left the area years ago and moved to California, I didn't have the pleasure of knowing your boys, but always felt like you were a part of our family. Prayers for you and all the family at this difficult time.
Shirley

~ Shirley (Matthews) Westcott - June 29, 2016

Not sure words can express what this special man meant to our family. The bond between our families was instant from the beginning. New to Kansas in 2002, our children were loved and cherished by their "adopted" grandparents. (how we would explain to anyone the relationship we had with Rocky and Michele.) Children are such a gift, and Rocky made it so apparent to each one of them. The smiles he brought to their faces and the nicknames he had for each of them will be treasured. We loved to hear him laugh and to be wrapped in his gentle embrace. Our favorite memories would have to be our traditional Christmas get-togethers. The visit to their home (rain, snow, or shine), exchanging gifts, sharing delicious meals, and the laughter and fellowship of wonderful friends. Rocky would always have a special gift for each one in their own little envelope:) It was a delight every time!! What a fondness of memories we have!! So thankful God brought him into our lives, at just the right time! We know he is with the Lord, and look ahead to when we will see him again! We miss him and love him very much!

~ Shawn and Lynne Boland and family - June 29, 2016

Michele, Aunt Moch,Rog,Susan,Ron & Kelly sorry for your recent loss of
Rocky. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Russ Martin - June 29, 2016

Rocky was a grandpa to me and my siblings, not by blood but by the love, care, and awesomeness he gave, along with many other things!
I remember as I was growing up he would always let me sit an cuddle on his recliner with him, sometimes talking and laughing and sometimes just sittin and watching tv.
I have many many memories with Rocky and all will be forever treasured in my Heart! I Love You Rocky!

~ Alexis Boland - June 29, 2016

I am so sorry to hear that Rocky has passed away so suddenly. I remember Rocky so well as a friend to all, who was always eager to help his friends and work associates. I knew Rocky and Michele from many years at Marley Cooling Tower since the mid 1970's where we were all employed. Rocky was very dedicated to his work life and his deep faith was evident in how he treated others. We will all remember Rocky as the finest example of a spirit led man.

~ David Suptic - June 29, 2016

My memories of Rocky begin when he started dating my best and dearest friend, Michele. We were fresh out of K State and starting our next adventure living in Overland Park. At first, I was jealous of the time he had with Michele, but was soon won over by his fun, dry sense of humor and his quick smile and gentle ways. He always referred to me as Bino (pronounced beano) my college nickname, and was always teasing and finding things to say to make me laugh. If I would complain about someone or something, he would say something to make me see "that's life" or maybe, just maybe, I was the one in the wrong. But never in a mean way, just telling it like it was.

Before children, the four of us, Rocky & Michele and my husband Bill & I, enjoyed a trip to a lake where they co/owned a cabin. Think that's when I first learned to water ski. I can just hear Rocky laughing in heaven at the ridiculous sight of me water skiing!! It wasn't pretty!

Rocky was such a gentle, loving father!! When those baby boys came into the world, he was smitten!! I can still see him in my minds eye, picking them up as tiny infants and holding them so gently. And the love only grew deeper. I never had the chance to see him with his grandsons, but I know it is the same.

What a comfort to know we will have sweet fellowship again in heaven! Thank you, Jesus, for making Rocky Yours!

All my love to you, Michele, Zach and Josh!

~ Robyn Bider - June 29, 2016

Michelle,
Dave & I were so sorry to hear about Rocky. We know this must not be easy for you or your family. Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers!

~ Katie Leary Simac - June 29, 2016

Rocky was a great friend. We both allowed that we should have been dead before we reached manhood. While it took some number of years, both of us figured out that in life boring is good. A house fire, a car wreck, a heart attack, etc. might be very exciting, but not very good for peace and tranquility!

One of my favorite stories was when Christmas time had rolled around. Rocky was commiserating that family members were pestering him for what he wanted for Christmas. He said he had all that was important to him... family, friends, faith, a good home and he didn't need anything. Then he looked up wistfully and said, "But you know a tee shirt with a pocket on it would sure be handy!"

May God bless Rocky, Michelle, Zack, Joshua and the rest of the family. All of us have been enriched by Rocky, and it has truly been a privilege to know him.

~ Eldon Mockry - June 29, 2016

Rocky is one of those special people you always remember as bringing a smile to your face. Always friendly even when you knew he was battling pain as he walked. He special "tall guy" work station is a reminder now that we'll all have to miss him returning to work. Just a great guy to work with. He is a one of a kind and we were all fortunate to have him as a colleague. I am sure I cannot fully appreciate what he has gone through over the last months so he should now be enjoying peace and comfort. My heart goes out to his family who now can only enjoy their memories of their loved one.

~ Ken Cropp - June 29, 2016

My memories of Rocky were from the perspective of a grade schooler remembering this very tall and lanky guy who loved his family. My mom and his mom, Ramona were good friends and Ramona sold Stanley products at that time. So even though I actually didn't get to see Rocky very much, I always heard about him through Ramona.
My heart goes out to every family member for your loss. My prayers will be lifted up for comfort to you all. ??

~ Connie Sampson Robinson - June 29, 2016

Rocky was a kind, caring, clever, quick witted gentlemen. We all looked forward to seeing him at our Wednesday morning meetings because we knew he would have a “quick on the draw” response and have us all laughing. You would see him in the hallways and he would always wave and smile and say hello and ask you how you were doing. He did this even on the days you could tell his when his hip was bothering him. The man also has the patience of a Saint. I know this because I would stroll into in cubicle and ask him countless questions about towers and sometimes I am sure I was repeating the same ones. He always took the time to explain each drawing sometimes twice. By coincidence we both ended up convalescing at the same time and would exchange texts back and forth each day to check on our health and tips on relieving the boredom. I started drawing and the first couple of drawings that I sent to him were really-really bad. He was very supportive on his comments and later when I got a little better he finally confessed the first two were pretty scary. I will miss him seeing his smile, especially when his grandsons would call; the stories he would tell about the adventures of Pa Pa and his grandsons and seeing him walking in the halls way. He will truly be missed by all. My thoughts and prayer go out the Michele and family during this difficult time.

~ Teresa Burns - June 28, 2016

Rocky was such a treasure. I enjoyed talking to him everyday. We laughed together and tried to solve the problems of the world with our discussions. He always talked about his wife, sons and grandchildren. He truly had a good life while here on earth. I know he had a rough time these last few years and I know he is at peace now and pain free. God must need him to do some important work in heaven. I will miss him very much.
My deepest sympathies are with the family.

~ Charlotte Cameron - June 28, 2016

It has been such a blessing to have Rocky as an uncle to my daughter, Abby. He had such a kind heart and gentle soul. I remember many times when she was little how he made her laugh deep down, and how much she wanted to be around him. As she became a young adult, she shared texts Rocky would send just to see how she was doing. She was always happy to hear from him, and it made her smile. Rocky was equally wonderful with all of his nieces and nephews, and was a loving father to his two sons.

Michele, Zach and Josh, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you and hope you may find peace in all of the wonderful memories you have had together.

~ Stephanie Rasmussen - June 28, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss seeing Rocky at SPX. He was a kind spirit.

~ Natalie O'Bannon - June 28, 2016

I worked with Rocky a little over 9 years and was always impressed by his optimism. Even when tough times hit he was calm, collected, and never let the stress of work keep him from enjoying life.

I especially enjoyed hearing stories of how he raised his two boys asI have two young boys of my own. He often had some good advice for a guy going through pre-teen parenting for the first time.

He will be missed here at Marley and I pray for the Cowger family during this tough time.

~ Jeff Walworth - June 28, 2016

It was truly a blessing to know Rocky. Like so many of my colleagues have expressed below, Rocky was a pleasure to work with and always had a smile on his face. I will miss seeing him in the hallways at work where he always made me laugh. He made people feel good and that is a wonderful quality in a person. My deepest sympathies are extended to his family.

~ Janel Fuhrman - June 28, 2016

Rocky was a very positive and friendly person around the office. He had a gentle demeanor and sweetness that was so special. We were blessed to have known him.

~ dot charest - June 28, 2016

We are so sorry to hear about Rocky. To the family and friends, you are all
in our prayers.

~ Bob & Sherry (Bruce) West - June 28, 2016

The ROCK.....as i would call him on a daily basis. What a wonderful soul this gentle giant is. I was fortunate to hear many stories about the grandchildren on a weekly basis. He was so full of life and smiles every time we talked. He will be missed by many.

~ HERBIE HISEL - June 28, 2016

Rocky was one of the most honest and straight forward people I knew. He didn't hold back, tell it like it is and didn't care what you thought. Being the same way, I think that's why we got along so well. Rocky always made me laugh and it was a great pleasure to know and work with him. He enjoyed talking about his grandchildren and we would share our stories. Rocky will truly be missed.
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Family.

~ Gail Jordan - June 28, 2016

I'll always remember Rocky for his genuine smile and warm hellos. His positive attitude and caring spirit were bright spots to many of my work days. I suspect he didn't even realize it...that's just how he was. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family. His is definitely a life to celebrate!

~ Cindy Martens - June 28, 2016

Michele and boys, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Rocky was a good man and friend. I can think of so many funny stories about him from our years at Marley . I hope you are comforted that he is now with our Lord .

Oh yeah, now I remember a funny thing he sent in an email once, "sorry bud, we don't mean to make your life a living h#ll, it just happens". I printed that and had it taped to my monitor for a long time.
That was life at Marley, but he made it more fun!

~ Nancy Wyle - June 27, 2016

R0n and Kelly sorry for your loss,you are in my prayers

~ keith schemmel - June 27, 2016

Rocky was one of the good guys. Every time I met him in the hall, I would always ask how Bullwinkle was and he would respond with essentially the same remark. And then we would both laugh and go on our respective ways. Crazy as sounds, it never got old.

Rocky started with Marley the year before I did. He was always the same helpful person over those 40+ years. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.

~ Dave Walters - June 27, 2016

Rocky was our dear neighbor and friend. I will always remember him for the great love he had for his wife and family. I loved his great smile and quick wit. I admired him for his honesty and gentle ways. I will always remember our last few conversations. We look forward to seeing him again in heaven!

~ Tina Schmidt - June 27, 2016

Sorry to read about Rocky passing, prayers for him and his family

~ Dan HELMICK - June 27, 2016

Rocky was one of the first guys that I worked with, when I first joined SPX. He was a great guy to work with! He always had a great attitude. I never saw him get stressed or frustrated. He always had a Hershey's chocolate bar on his desk, and would break it up into little pieces to snack on. We will all miss him!

~ Andjelko Piskuric - June 27, 2016

I did not know Rocky really well. I worked with him for 5 years and he was always in a good mood, making me laugh or asking about my little ones. He always had a smile waiting for me when I'd see him in the hallway and stopped to talk to him. My condolences to his family. He was a great guy and will be missed.

~ Jose Mateos - June 27, 2016

Very sad news, I first met Rocky & Michele back in the summer of 79 when I worked for the Marley Cooling Tower Co. Rocky was a very unique and cool guy to hang around with and he was very witty. One of my favorite quotes was in regards to Marley, "oh this place is like working in a zoo, we got every kind here." My thoughts & prayers are with Rocky's family, I pray that God my give you peace, comfort, & strength in this most difficult time.

~ Gerry Vawter - June 27, 2016

Rocky was a true friend and great person to have known and w0rked with at Marley when I stared in August of 1976. Always willing to help out with work related questions and give good advice. Rocky introduced me to my first beer ball game and how it was to be played, thanks again for the advice!
My condolences to Michele and the family during this time of loss. May the Good Lord Bless all of you and may Rocky rest in eternal peace.

Al Terrones

~ Al Terrones - June 27, 2016

Throughout my entire childhood and as I grew up, Uncle Rocky held a special place in my heart. I can still hear his laugh as I would be sitting on his lap, playing with his pack of cigarettes and a comment I made cracked him up. I treasure the countless times he would throw me up on his shoulders to carry me around, sit me on his lap to just "hang out" and let me ride along with him on the riding mower when he mowed their huge lawn in Louisburg. As I got older, the love and compassion shown by this man continued. I would often receive text messages from him seeing how I was that day, telling me how wonderful I was, how much he loved me and just "shooting the breeze" with me. He was my Uncle Rocky and I was his girl. At my wedding before I walked down the aisle, a sign was sent down and given to him that stated, "Uncle Rocky, here comes your girl". He had a place in my heart from the time I was a little girl and that spot will remain forever. I love you, Uncle Rocky. Thank you for being an amazing uncle and blessing in my life.

~ Leah Johnson - June 27, 2016

I will forever hear his voice in my head telling me how much he loved his wife Michele, and how he wanted to make sure she was taken care of when he was gone. I admired him for how he loved to take care of the little ones in the nursery at church. Rocky was a tall man with a huge heart and a very contagious smile! I feel honored to have known him. May JESUS bless his family with Peace at this difficult time.

~ Sherrie Hugunin - June 27, 2016

I had the pleasure of working with Rocky. I'm sorry to hear that was suffering with cancer.
He was a genuine character. He was smart, kind, and candid. I loved his honesty. You always knew what he was thinking - which was usually funny. He was someone that I enjoyed having an extra chat with. The conversations were never short on perspective and laughs.
My thoughts are with the family.
Warmest wishes,
Annette

~ Annette Meyerkord - June 27, 2016

My deepest sympathy to your family, if his son Zach is anything like his dad I am sure he was an incredibly nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

~ Debbie Nobbe - June 27, 2016

My Buddy and I spent lots of hours together in the Nursery at Cross Point Church. Rocky loved to hold, rock and cuddle the little ones but he didn't feel it was appropriate that he should change the diapers. So that was the pack we made, we'd both cuddle the little ones and I'd change the diapers. Rocky always thought the little bands that the mommy's put on the little girls head was hurting them and he'd always take them off. Also,
Rocky thought the little ones shouldn't have to wear shoes unless the floor was cold. How much FUN that Rocky and I had while working in the Nursery together. We spent time talking about his boys and my boys and the great times of being a parent and the challenges that we struggled with. Rocky and our youngest son Cody, had a pack on getting whole Kosher Dill pickles and who could get them 1st and whose was the biggest, during basketball and football games(they would always get one for them self and one for the other). Rocky was such a proud grandpa and loved to talk about his grandsons. My Buddy recently told me "Well you just had to through me under the bus one more time, as I referred him as Mr Lincoln". Rocky is now in Heaven looking down on each of us. My Buddy will be missed but the Great Memories I have will always go on. As I told Rocky, I never say Good Bye but I'll see you later.

~ Connie Pritchard - June 27, 2016

Heard last night about this from Dad. So sorry and surprised. Sending prayers for peace and comfort for all of you. I know it's a great comfort to know that he is in heaven but it's still tough for those of us left behind.

~ Renata Skinner - June 27, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to the Cowger family. Sending lots of thoughts & prayers.

~ Mark &Vickie Simpson - June 27, 2016

I've known Rocky since shortly after he arrived at Marley in the '70s. He was one of the kindest, most even-tempered, nicest people I've ever known and was always a pleasure to work with. If he was stressed, he never let it show.
He lived up to his name, too: when we needed quick, accurate and complete answers to product questions, we knew his response would be "Rock" solid.
I considered him a friend , and will miss him greatly.

~ Dick LeClaire - June 27, 2016

I had the pleasure of working with Rocky at Marley/SPX on a number of projects. He will be missed by many.

~ Steve Conley - June 27, 2016

Deepest sympathy to the Cowger family.

~ Allan & Karen Weishaar - June 27, 2016

It's so hard to lose a good friend and Rocky was a dear, good friend. I first met Rocky and then Michele in the early 1970's when they were both new, young employees at the Marley Cooling Tower Co., now known as Marley/SPX. I liked and admired them from the start, dependable, hard working, lovable people. Their church and the fine family that Michele and Rocky built together will be a source of strength during this hard time and I offer them my sincere sympathy and my prayers for God's healing comfort to be with you all.
George Lightfoot

~ George Lightfoot - June 27, 2016

It has been a great pleasure working with Rocky over the last 30+ years. What a kind and gentle soul with a constant smile. He will be so missed.

~ Sheryl McGrath - June 27, 2016

I first met Rocky in 1972 at Platt Technical Institute in St. Joseph, MO. I have since had the pleasure to work with him throughout both of our careers at SPX/Marley. He was a great friend and loved his family very much.

He sat near me toward the end and I had the pleasure to hear him speaking with his young grandchildren... you could tell from both the conversations and especially the tone of his voice that he really loved them alot.

I'm going to miss you Buddy!

~ Ron Teson - June 27, 2016

So hard to believe. I worked with Rocky throughout his career at Marley and SPX. He was always willing to help with any question that you had about work or life in general. He was a gentile giant who talked openly about his family and especially about his love for his grand children. He is someone who will be very tough to replace but just knowing he is with our Lord and savior will make this tough time easier to accept. My thoughts and prayers are with Michele and their family.....may God bless them and ease their sorrow.

~ JOHN SHEARER - June 27, 2016