Fred Rocha Merrill, MI
Surrounded by his family, Fred passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 23, 2019, 8:43 am at the age of 87. He was born in Filion, Michigan on May 12, 1931 to Nabor and Framensia (Jaurez) Rocha, who have preceded him in death. Fred married Christine Silva on August 21, 1954. He was a member of Amazing Grace Church lending a hand where needed. Fred was employed at U.S. Graphite for 42 years. During that time he served 2 years in the U.S. Army on the Ski Patrol at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, carving and gardening. Fred and Christine also enjoyed going to their childrens and grandchildrens sporting and school events as well as following High School basketball and football teams.
He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Christine and six children, Chris (Barney) Betka of Mt. Pleasant, Gina (Mark) Tolfree of Merrill, Daniel (Diana) Rocha of Saginaw, Tammy (Ron) Yrlas of Merrill, Robert (Michelle) Rocha of Adrian, Ed (Shelly) Rocha of Bannister, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother David Rocha of Ypsilanti and sister-in-law Theresa Rocha of Saginaw. Fred was preceded in death by his granddaughter Valerie Betka and siblings: John Rocha, Joe Rocha, Mary Barocio, Maxine Zapata, Ben Rocha, and Phil Rocha; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Vincent Barocio, Bonifacio Zapata, Elizabeth Rocha, Jan Rocha and Paula Rocha.
At Freds request, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Amazing Grace Church, 9232 E. Monroe Rd, Wheeler, MI. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Heart of Saginaw, 11377 Swan Creek Road, Saginaw, Michigan, 48609. The family would like to thank the staff at Warwick Living Center. The time you took to talk to him and make him smile meant so much! The family would also like to thank Heartland Hospice.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603