Roderick C. "Rod" La Rock, 63, of Altoona passed away Saturday, February 7, 2004, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

He was born in Eau Claire on January 25, 1941, the son of Albert "Bud" and Eldora (Olson) La Rock. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1959.

Rod worked at Pope & Talbot for 10 years. He went to Chatham, Mich., and worked as a lumberjack. Rod returned to Eau Claire and drove truck for R.D. Smith Company for many years. He loved to drive and enjoyed every mile he drove. He married Kathleen Takkinen on January 8, 1966, in Chatham, Mich.

Survivors include his wife Kathleen; two sons, David of Eau Claire and Paul (Tanya), Elk Mound; two grandsons, Gabriel John and Jonah Roderick Gerald; a brother, Albert (Theresa) of Eau Claire; a sister, Barbara Morse of Eleva; his mother-in-law, Laura Takkinen of Eau Claire; two brothers-in-law, Pastor Leslie (Linda) Takkinen of West Allis and Bill (Carol) Takkinen of Chatham, Mich., and a sister-in-law, Judy La Rock of Spooner. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Eugene La Rock.

Rod was never a wealthy man but he was rich with love. His wife was his life, and they will be together forever. It has been said that you always knew when he was at the game, be it baseball or basketball, for his booming voice was rarely silent. He rarely missed a game. He will be missed.

Rod loved golf, rollerblading, going to the casino, playing bingo or just being himself. To his sons, he was a good father and a great friend. Rod will be missed by friends and family.

"Rollerblade on, Rock." We love you!

Private family services will be held with private interment.

Stokes & Mundt Funeral Chapel of Altoona is serving the family.