John Olaf Rockne, 52, died of stomach cancer in his home on Wednesday, June 27, in Safety Harbor, Fla. He was born June 3, 1949, in Logan, Utah, to Joann (Hays) and John V. Rockne of South Bend, Ind. John was employed as a consultant for the Capitol Campaign Foundation of Albany State University, Albany, Ga. John was a former high school physical education teacher and a high school offensive football coach. He is survived by his children, John, Gary, Jacquelyn and their mother, Connie (Vernier) Rockne of Benton, Ky. He is also survived by his special friend, Stacy Hatcher of Safety Harbor. In addition to his parents he is survived by his brothers, Knute of Salt Lake City, Utah, Nils of Dallas, Texas, William and Erik, both of South Bend; sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Bernie Volpe of Newark, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael and Timothy; maternal grandparents, Josephine and Paul Hays; and paternal grandparents, Bonnie and Knute Rockne. He graduated from J.W. Riley High School, South Bend, Central State University, Edmond, Okla., with a bachelor's in education and a master's in physical education from Murray State University, Murray, Ky. John was an Army veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations: the American Cancer Society; and to the Hospice and Centennial Development Program, Albany State University Foundation, 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705. The Rockne family memorial services will be held in St. Olaf's Chapel, Dillon Hall on the Notre Dame campus, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug 11, 2001.

South Bend Tribune 13 Mar 2005

03/05/2022 JFC