Rocklage, Linda L. (nee Gnau), baptized into the hope of Christ’s resurrection on April 22, 2024.
Linda Rocklage was born Linda Lee Gnau on Sunday, 13 September 1942 in Jennings, Missouri. She was the oldest child of Blanche and Robert Gnau.
Linda was a selfless woman filled with grace, strength, and resilience. Her determined yet gentle demeanor was evident in all that she accomplished, and she certainly accomplished a lot. Linda’s passions included painting, playing the organ, attending live theater, and puzzling. An avid traveler, she enjoyed countless cruises, annual Broadway theater trips to New York City, and visits to England, Alaska, Germany, France, and Ireland. Linda loved to say that “her bag was always packed”, and when not journeying abroad, she would visit family and friends within the States.
Linda spent countless hours perfecting her skills on the organ, an impressive feat shared with many when she entertained the residents of a local nursing home. Linda was a lover of the arts. She enjoyed 24 years of volunteer ushering at the Fox Theater (Saint Louis), and she supported many local theaters including The Repertory Theater, The Black Rep., The Muny, and STAGES Saint Louis. Linda was also a consistent patron of the Missouri Botanical Garden, The History Museum, and The Saint Louis Zoo.
Linda encouraged her five children to become strong and independent; she patiently championed their individual goals. Though her role as a mother encompassed her early adult life, Linda eventually worked outside the home and continued her career in the healthcare industry for 20+ years. After her retirement, Linda continued traveling, playing the organ, conquering puzzles, lunching with her friends, and enjoying the many activities of her 8 grandchildren. Linda truly lived a bountiful life as she humbly embraced the challenges right along with the blessings.
Linda was predeceased by her parents Blanche and Robert, and her younger brother Larry Gnau. Linda is survived by Joseph Henry Rocklage, her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, and her five children: Gregory Rocklage, Christian Rocklage and his wife Sherri, Eric Rocklage of Corpus Christi, TX, Noelle Rocklage, and Leia Goodgold (nee Rocklage) and her husband Jason of Charlotte, NC. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Dustin, Andrew, Jacob, Elizabeth, Lucas, Kyle, Kyra, and Ava.
Linda will be missed by a host of family and lifelong friends, and by those whose lives she touched through music, art, and camaraderie.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Saturday, May 4, from 11:00 am until memorial service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.
To watch a livestream of the memorial service please click on the following link – Livestream Link
Linda was a friend who loved to play the organ and share her talent with others. We had many fun cruise trips together. We will miss Linda.
There is a hole in my heart. I sure do miss Linda.
We met Linda when our son Jason married her daughter Leia
Her friendship will always be treasured by my family. She was generous, kind and open hearted. We are fortunate to have known her
Thoughts and prayers for the Rocklage family. Linda was a caring neighbor to my sister.
Linda, you will be missed!
I am very sorry to hear the sad news of dear
Linda’s passing away.She and I worked together in Dr. Shah’s office for 20 yrs. She was kind, caring and extremely trustworthy person. I will miss her a lot. May Lord grant eternal peace to this departed soul.🙏
Marge and I send to you Joe and your entire family our sincerest condolences on the loss of your wife. We will pray that God’s grace gives you comfort and strength.
Dear Joe, family & friends ~ Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this sad time. What a lovely, special woman Linda was! My mother, Annette Umidon, cherished Linda’s friendship, and we know she’ll be greatly missed! They met while working for Dr Shaw @ St Anthony’s, and we know how special Linda was. She touched countless lives. Annette and Linda went on several trips together and enjoyed each other’s company immensely.
What a blessing for Linda to be with our Father in Heaven, and her own loving parents, brother, family & friends now who have gone on before us! We know how deeply she will be missed, and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Renee & Greg (Umidon) Barnes
Linda and I were friends for 62 years. We both worked at Northland Bank making checkbooks for customers. We always stayed in touch with each other. My heart aches, she is greatly missed.