Lucien A. "Luke" Rock

SMSGT (ret) Lucien "Luke" A. Rock â₢ 1948 - 2009 60, Minot, passed away Thursday, January 15,2009 in a Minot hospital surrounded by his loving family after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Luke was born on November 15,1948 to the late Adrien and Angela (Hamel) Rock in New Bedford, MA. There he enjoyed summers with his brothers and sisters at the family cottage on West Island. He attended and graduated from St Anthony's grammar and high school in New Bedford. He entered the US Air Force August 1968 in Providence, RI. In 1969 Luke was stationed at MinotAFB. He was once married to Kathryn Fitzpatrick and remained close to the Fitzpatrick family.Luke was stationed in Minot for 26 yrs with remote tours to Turkey, Korea, Japan, and Thailand. He spent his military career as a Jet Engine Mechanic and later a Financial Mgmt Services Superintendent. While in the service he received numerous awards, citations, and medals. Luke retired from the USAF in August of 1994 and most recently employed as a crew driver for the railroad for the last 8yrs. He was united in marriage to Veronica"Ronnie" Van Ness-Klosterman on March 6,1993 in Minot. After their wedding they lived in Korea and eventually made their home back in Minot. There they spent many wonderful years together with their family and friends. Luke was a very kind, loving, and generous man. He donated to St Jude Hospital, American Red Cross, Shriners Childrens Hospital, the DAV, United Way, Easter Seals Society, and the Salvation Army to name a few. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Minot Chapter #4. Everyone that knew Luke knew he was an avid fan of the Red Sox and New England Patriots. He loved the water and always enjoyed to go sailing. In his early yrs he played softball and later golf. He always loved unconditionally and lived life with no regrets. Luke had a heart of gold, he was completely selfless. Luke is survived by his loving wife of 16 yrs Ronnie Klosterman-Rock, Minot; Daughters, Lisa (Scott) Swanson, Windsor, CO; Danielle (Cory) Nelson, Minot; Laurel Klosterman (DeEtta Stevens), Stillwater, MN; Son, Paul Klosterman, Minneapolis, MN; Grandchildren; Collin, Sean, Kaitlyn, Abby; Sisters, Josie(Fred)LaFleur, Freetown, MA; Pauline(Dennis)Joaquin, South Dartmouth, MA; Brother, Adrien(Nina)Rock, Clinton, MA; Uncle, Alfred Rock, New Bedford, MA; Mother-in-law, Violet Van Ness, San Antonio, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Origene and Marcel Rock, and father-in-law Bruce Van Ness. Visitation: Thursday, January 22,2009, there will be no reviewal but friends and family may sign the register book from 4-8pm with a vigil prayer service at 7pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, January 23,2009 at 12:00 pm at St Leo's Catholic Church, Minot. Burial to follow at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

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