John Anthony Rocca Obit

JOHN ANTHONY ROCCA, 96, of Ironton, passed away on Nov. 28, 2025, at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center on Crosby. He was born on July 6, 1929 in Crosby to Vincenzo and Michelina (Talaricio) Rocca. He was a retired manager and accountant for Zontelli Brothers and Pittsburg Pacific Mining Companies, Scorpion Inc., Artic Enterprises and Cuyuna Engines Inc. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.   He was a local farmer famous for his sweet corn and beef cattle operation.  He was an avid outdoorsman, with love to hunt, fish and garden. He regularly hosted morning coffee at home. Preceding  him in death are his parents; his wife, Helen in 1991; two brothers, Frank and James Rocca; seven sisters, Mary Fitch, Ritha Rocca Glass, Santina Rocca, Rose Rocca, Virginia Zarr, Bernice Woods and Joann Bordwell. He is survived by two sons, John E. (Carol) Rocca of Diamond Springs, CA and Robert (Julie) Rocca of Maple Grove; two daughters, Nancy (Eric) Sundgaard of Ironton and Lisa (Craig) Johnson of Alexandria; one sister, Angeline Cronk of St. Paul; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby.  Visitation will be on Wednesday at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby from 4 to 7 p.m.  with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.