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Michael W. Rockett, Jr.

05/14/1973 - 11/09/2021
Service Date: 01/29/2022
Service Time: 11:00AM
Service Location: New First Church of God in Christ

Live Stream Link To View Service:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83662018385?pwd=RDZsT3h0WHI4MjFxS0RrbXZQMU1IQT09

Michael Wayne Rockett, Jr., son, brother, husband, father, friend, was born in Normal, Illinois on May 14, 1973, the oldest of six children of Michael Wayne Rockett, Sr. and Denise Rockett (nee’ Stewart). In 1987, the Rockett family came to Chicago’s South Chicago neighborhood following opportunity. It was a return home for the parents, original West Siders. As mom would say, her babies needed to see more people that looked like them. So, she brought them home.

Arriving in Chicago, in the Reagan years, the Rockett family was six strong – soon to be eight. Every bit the blue-collar family, we made it work. Michael grew up in a loving household with his parents, younger sister, Darcel and younger brothers – Marshaun, Marshe’, Marcel and Markus.

Young Michael graduated from Parkside Elementary School and attended Hyde Park Career Academy, where he played football. He took his educational aspirations to MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois on a football scholarship. Michael majored in computer science while there, but segued into healthcare most of his life, primarily working with at-risk populations, the elderly with dementia to youth with developmental disabilities. A trip to the West coast would anchor his career in healthcare. His children, Mykayla and Michael, and stepdaughter Melody Starnes, would soon make him a father. Michael moved back to Illinois with his new family in the early 2000s.

It was while Michael was in Walla Walla, Washington that he met the person who was soon to be his life partner, Kara Rockett (nee’ Kaser). The pair worked together while she was pursuing her a degree in nursing. Kara would eventually move away with said degree, but the ever-persistent Michael would seek her out several years later, when romance bloomed. Michael would take the leap to Arizona in 2008 to make a life with Kara. The duo was inseparable from then on; they married in 2018. For 14 years, the two shared their love and passion for fine beers, breweries, and adventure. Michael loved fashion, music, sports and the Miami Hurricanes, tattoos, new kicks, video games, comics, and pop culture. He loved life and those who lived it. It’s his example we try to follow: No regrets.

Michael leaves behind his loving wife, Kara Rockett and his in-laws, Steven and Nori Kaser, and Cathy Fuller, his daughter Mykayla Rockett, son Michael Diamond Rockett, his parents (Michael and Denise), siblings Darcel, Marshaun (Cynthia), Marshe’ (Audra), Marcel and Markus, aunts (Linda Stewart, Jamie Stewart, Bernadine Rockett-Jackson, Annette Sain, Stephanie Tate-Stewart) and uncles (Willie ‘Sonny’ Rockett, Gregory Rockett, Gilbert Rockett, Nelson Stewart, Tracy Stewart), cousins (Pam, Beverly, Darryl, Kary, Tina, Giovanni, Marcus, Jasmine, Alfred, Lamont, Andrea, Denzel, Malik and Ashley), niece Maia Rockett, and nephews Cameron Williams, Dominic Rockett and Xander Rockett, as well as a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Willie and Viola Rockett, and maternal grandmother, Claudette Stewart and his father-in-law, Lyle Fuller.

May the memory of Michael Wayne Rockett, Jr. bless us always.

Condolences

  • Brenda Rodriguez

    My most deepest condolences to all. Michael was very much loved here at Silverstone by all, especially the residents. He was a giant teddy bear as his favorite resident would say. He will be greatly missed.

  • Nelson, Jasmine & Chase

    May God continue to strength you and the entire family on the loss of your son and may the memories of him continue to strengthen you daily! We extend our love and deepest condolences to you and the Rockett family! Love always from Uncle Nelson, Jasmine & Chase

  • Prayers,love and blessings to the family the entire Rockett Family..
    May God’s love be with you.
    J.Nix and family.

  • Tereasa Elaine Sanders

    My most heartfelt sympathy and prayers is extended to the entire Rockett family in the transition of their beloved Michael. My heart was deeply saddened when Darcel shared the news with me. I reflected over fond memories I was blessed to share in his presence with Michael, along with his family while he was in Illinois. May the God of Comfort be with his wife, children, parents and siblings during this difficult time. ❤️🙏🏽❤️

  • Mike. Mike. Mike.
    He was a great husband/father/brother. He lived, he laughed, he loved. He was an impact. Not only is he a friend, but he is my brother. He helped me become who I am today, true, honest, and hard working. Any moment, it was never dull going to fat cats, talking about our favorite clothes, shoes, & cars or even enjoying the best beers & wines. Mike was always apart of my team, but when we played spades no one could stop us. We were the kings of the world. Any conversation you had with mike was one you would remember. Many would say he was an inspiration, but I like to say he was the greatest of all time. Mike you were truthfully my family and friend. I could not have asked for a better brother by my side. I hope you Rest In Peace and you will always be remember and in our hearts, to the greatest of all time.

  • Christy Batiatto

    God bless Michael Rocket, whom I had the privege of working with and sharing stories about Chicago with. Michael will never again have to endure the physical, emotional and spiritual struggles of his work, this life, or himself, as he had told me on more than one occasion that he loves Jesus, and his following Christ brought him safly home into His loving arms for eternity. May you not only Rest In Peace, but may you bask in the glory of The King!!! Love, Christy

  • Rest in heaven cousin Mike. I have my own memories of you and family as we grew up. Visiting our grandma over on Latrobe, checking you all out over South. Rest in heaven cousin. Rest well.

  • Steve & Nori Kaser

    We did not have the opportunity to get to know Michael as most did. However what time we did spend with him and our daughter Kara it was easy to see the love and devotion between them was strong and shared equally. Through our daughter we came to know and understand who Michael really was. He made Kara happy and she likewise him. There is nothing else that matters in life more than being happy. Thank you Michael for the love kindness and happiness you brought into Kara’s life and therefore ours.
    Steve & Nori

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