Louis Manuel Rocha

Louis Manuel Rocha – husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 6th, 2024, at the age of 63.

Louis was born to John and Paula Rocha on October 5th, 1960. He graduated from St. Stephen high school in 1978.

Louis met his best friend, Lynn Sizick, in 1979. After many years of friendship, she became his bride on June 16th, 1990. They had two beautiful daughters, Hayley and Vasey. They were and will continue to be his entire world.

Second to his family was Louis’ commitment to his work and community. Louis received his associate degree from Delta College in construction and was employed by Harvey Hendrick’s, where he was a drywall contractor for some time. Louis always had the drive to better and further his career. His first stop on that path was at Thompson Saginaw Ball & Screw, where he was a tool maker. He then moved to Delphi Chassis where he was a part of the electrician apprentice program. He was also very active in his Local 467 and was a part of the Worker-to-Worker program. Louis then made the decision to take his work to General Motors assembly plant in Lake Orion, Michigan. While at the plant, he was a trustee for 5 years, became UAW Vice President in 2011, and in 2014 had the honor of serving as the UAW President. He served in this role until his death. Louis was also very active in politics. He served as the chair of the Saginaw Democratic Party for some years and had the honor of meeting and working with members of congress, senators, governors, and even Presidents of the United States.

Outside of work, Louis was very involved with his daughters. He loved to coach and assist with all of their sporting adventures. He always made sure to help with homework, book reports, and special projects. He was present at every school event. He enjoyed camping with his family, bike rides, bonfires, U of M football, banana splits, and slushies. Not a day went by in his life that he did not help someone in some way, and his family would like him to be remembered for that.

Louis is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lynn, and his daughters, Hayley and Vasey (boyfriend Michael Pelino). Siblings include John Martin (Marty) Rocha, Maria DelCarmen (Thomas) Soria, Tony (Roberta) Rocha. Sisters-in-law Jodi (Jay) Robison and Jill Sizick, and brother-in-law Mark Sizick. Louis was best known to his nieces and nephews as “Tio Wesee” – Tommy (Jen) Soria, Elena (Nik) Greene, Michael Soria, Johnny, Jason and Adam (Malinda) Rocha, Dominic, Bridgett and Paula Rocha. Great nieces and nephews including Lillian and Jason Rocha, Niko and Aria Greene, and Diego and Aster Soria

Louis was also the proud “grandpaw” of a golden retriever, Chessy, whom he loved to visit and play with.

The family would also like to acknowledge all of the love and support he has had over the years from his brothers and sisters in the UAW. Especially Gerald, Troy, Dwayne, Gary, David, and Bill.

Also a special recognition to the ER and SICU team at Covenant Health.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents John and Paula Rocha, mother-in-law Rita Sizick, father-in-law Michael Sizick Jr., brother-in-law Michael Sizick III and nephew Matthew Kinney. He is also being greeted in heaven by Sunflower - the family cat.

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris OFM Cap will officiate with burial to follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 pm-8:00 pm on Monday, August 12, 2024, and Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evening. Visitation will also be held at the church Wednesday morning from 10:00 am until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations for a garden memorial in his honor at the UAW 5960 hall where Louis loved to tend to the flower beds. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.