Obituary of Jan Evans Rockwell
Age 73, of Clio, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Cranberry Park with his wife by his side. In accordance with Jan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Jan’s family will be present to receive friends from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services. At 4:00 pm, Jan’s family would like to invite friends to honor Jan by joining us as we pay homage to him with military honors and sharing memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be considered to the Dementia Society of America. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Jan’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.
Jan was born in Flint on June 10, 1950, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon and Bertha (Protzman) Rockwell. Jan's parents loved to tell the story of a nurse coming out to tell Gordon that he had a son, and he asked the nurse if she was sure it was a boy and she said, “Don’t you think I know the difference?” As Jan grew, he spent much of his time at the hardware and at the elevator. Educated locally, Jan graduated from Mt. Morris High School with the Class of 1968. During his school years, he was involved in Boy Scouts, was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and in his high school years, played football and even had a part in the school play. After graduation, Jan proudly enlisted in the United States Navy on October 8, 1969, and was honorably discharged on August 17, 1973. Upon his return to the States, he started plotting the rest of his life. Jan took over Rockwell ACE Hardware store where he worked until his retirement in 2013. Jan met and married the love of his life, Una Figgins, on December 22, 1978. Jan became a member of the Mt. Morris Chamber of Commerce and the Mt. Morris Kiwanis Club. He was active in sidewalk sales and most downtown business projects. Whenever a hand was needed, if he could, he would be there. As the town changed and businesses changed, he did too. One of the hardest decisions he had to make was moving the downtown business elsewhere, relocating to Genesee Township, not far from home. He continued to support the Mt. Morris Schools, Police and Fire Departments, and many other organizations in the community. The business may have moved, but Jan’s heart and home would always be in Mt. Morris. Jan played a huge part in the details and construction of the playground, Kid’s Kingdom, at Batterbee Park, where generations of children have enjoyed the swings, slides, and more, including his own grandchildren! Jan always said he never met a stranger! He was well known as a “Yes” man. If you needed help, he was always there no questions asked. At the Hardware, he was known as "MacGyver." If he didn’t have the part, there was a good chance he could make one, or at least give it his best effort. Jan was a wonderful husband, a great father and by far a terrific grandfather. We were all blessed by having him in our lives. For those of you who knew Jan, need we say anymore? Jan was a wonderful man with a heart full of compassion for everyone. He will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish Jan's memory are his loving wife of 45 years, Una Rockwell; son, Todd and wife, Jennifer Rockwell; grandsons: Cameron, and Austin; best friends: Art Lehr and Mel Vostry; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Jan was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Kai; sister and brother-in-law: Jill and husband Wayne Schoeppach.