James Michael “Mike” Rokita
On Monday, April 13, 2020, Mike Rokita was called home while surrounded with his family. After a 14-month battle with cancer, Mike passed peacefully at the Illinois Veterans Home at the age of 78.
He was born on July 16, 1941 in Quincy to Dr. Adam and Mary (Goodwin) Rokita. The eldest of six children, Mike was often found at the Athletic Field playing baseball with his brothers and tormenting his sisters. They survive to tell the tales. Robert Rokita (Barbara), Richard Rokita (Cathie), Marynelle Kellum, Shelley Fenton and Jenny Kelley (Kent). Many loving nieces and nephews survive who know him as “Uncle Moe.”
Mike served in the United States Army from 1962-1965. He was honored to be chosen to serve in the The Old Guard in Arlington, VA. His most memorable moments included serving in President Johnson’s inauguration parade and President Kennedy’s funeral.
He (finally!) married Rita (Schoonover) Wood on June 20, 1987. Together, they had just shy of 33 years of happiness and two daughters, Laura and Lacey. Mike joined his daughter, Laura Beth, in heaven. Rita and Lacey Rokita (Aaron Hancock) survive.
Mike was operator of the family-owned Park Bowl on 12th & Harrison for many years where he spent most of his time. After the bowling alley closed in 1989, the family moved to southern California where he worked in licensed apparel sales. Upon return to Quincy in 1995, he worked for many years as a jewelry salesman for K’s Merchandise and SJA Jewelry Inc. He retired briefly in 2011 but wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to his working days. He worked at Lowe’s selling appliances until his diagnosis in Feb of 2019.
In addition to his bowling career, Mike was an avid sportsman. He spent many years playing baseball, softball and golf. He was a professional baseball umpire in Fort Myers, FL before the opening of the Park Bowl. He was a devoted Cardinals fan and enjoyed the family Cardinal-Dodger rivalry.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the immediate services for Mike are private. Interment with military rites will take place at Calvary Cemetery. A memorial mass at Blessed Sacrament, of which he was a parishioner, and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. The family wishes to thank all their friends and family for their love and support during this time. Please feel free to send a card or note to the family directly or through the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to American Brain Tumor Association.
Prayers for the family. Mike’s dad was the doctor who delivered me.
My mom bowled for many years at the Park Bowl.
I have fun memories as a kid there.
Rita & Lacey So sorry to hear about Mike. I always enjoyed talking to him. Great guy. You’re in
Karen’s & my prayers
It was my pleasure to know Mike and to work with him at K’s Merchandise Mart. I also waited on him as a checker at Harrison HyVee – he is missed.
We were sadden to hear of your loss.
May you find comfort knowing that those who love the Lord live forever in heaven. Just as the memories live forever in our hearts.
Joann and Dick Reichert
Rita so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry for you loss! What a great man
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Lowes. He was a wonderful man. Sending prayers for the family.
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great guy. My Dad, Perry, and I had many a good time. Sleep well my friend
So very sorry to hear of Mike’s death, Rita. We’re keeping you and your family in our daily prayers.
RITA ,WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MIKE. VERY NICE MAN,LOVED BOWLING AT THE PARK BOWL! LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES AT 12TH AND HARRISON. RITA,YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY LOTS AND PRAYERS.
Rita and the Rokita family. My heart goes out to all of you. So sorry for your loss. Mike took me in to the bowling world at a very young age and taught me a lot about the game . After working at the Park Bowl and then purchasing it in 1989 fulfilled a lifelong dream and made many friends along the way. Rest in peace,Moe. Buda
Rita, I am so sorry.
Ted
So sorry for your loss, not enough space to say how special & great guy he was. This time of year was is always a great memory for Moe loved to go mushroom hunting on our folks family farm. God Bless you all.
So sorry for your loss. My family always enjoyed mike at the park bowl. He was an amazing man and will be missed. Prayers to your family. I’m sure my mom, her best friend Charlotte Plenge and him will have a fun time until we all meet again.
I ve lost a good friend. I had much love for moe…my sympathy to all his family
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. When I moved to Quincy to be the Lowe’s store manager, Mike was so welcoming and kind. I truly enjoyed him as a co-worker and friend. One of the absolute best people you will ever meet. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his loved ones.
I always love working with Mike at Lowe’s. He always had a big smile on his face. He was a great friend and coworker!!! I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers!!!
Rita, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter.
Our condolences to Rita and Lacey (Aaron) during this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace and enjoy his newfound time with Laura Beth in heaven. Much love to you all.
Deepest Condolences
Mike was a great guy
Love and prayers to you and your family.
Sorry to hear about Mike. I will keep both of you, Rita and Lacey, in my prayers. I pray you will find peace knowing that Mike will no longer have to suffer in this world and will be watching and waiting for your reunion in heaven. God Bless you both.
I had the pleasure of working with Mike and enjoyed him very much. He for sure was a Cardinal fan and I of course am a Cubs fan. Many good conversations. We have missed him since he had to leave Lowe’s. Sending prayers of strength and healing to you all Rita.
We are all so sorry for your loss.The whole family is in are Hearts and Prayers. God Bless you all!
Rita – I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. Sending you love and prayers during this time.
Mike was such a great guy. We loved bowling with him and getting to visit with him at the Park Bowl. Those sure were the good old days
Rita & Lacey sorry to hear of Moe’s passing,you’re in my prayers love ya both !
Rita,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Deacon Terry
Rest In Peace Mike. Thanks for the memories.