Joe G. Rocha

Joe Rocha, a lifelong resident of Swink, Colorado, passed away in his home surrounded by family on October 29, 2020. Joe was born in La Junta and lived in Swink all his life.

Joe worked and retired from the Pueblo Army Chemical Depot after 20 years. He also farmed for 36 years North of Swink, and farming was his passion. During his 36 years of farming, Joe was known for his watermelon crops.

Joe served on the FSA Board for several years and was a Town of Swink Council Member. He was an active member of the Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe received his first degree in 1969 and his second and third degrees in 1970. He was a 25 years lifetime member as a fourth-degree in Council 2525.

Joe was one of Everette Marshall’s Golden Glove Boxers. His favorite hobbies were attending sporting activities of his children and grandchildren, watching boxing, traveling, and watching scary movies with his family.

Joe is survived by his wife of 73 years, Jennie M. (Whatley) Rocha; children, Judy Rocha-Ortiz (Angel) of Swink, Janie Rocha (Joe Jr.) of Greeley, Anna Walisky (Tony) of Swink, Matt Rocha (Danita) of Swink, and Scott Rocha (Kelli) of Vancouver, WA; grandchildren, Jalene Rocha, Jodi Hayakawa, Augustine Razo, Julie Rocha, Joe Rocha III, Desiree James, Zakhary Walisky, Brandi Rocha, Nathan Rocha, Nick Rocha, Josh Rocha, Danya Herrell, Jamie Herrell, Audrey Herrell, Brandon Mata, and Zach Mata; great-grandchildren, Brandon Gonzales, Isabel Hayakawa, Niko Gonzales, Azariah Rocha, Zayn Rocha, Oziah Mata, Emlio Mata, and Tate James; brothers, Valente Rocha and Albert Rocha; sister, Genarita Valerio; and several nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his son, Joe Rocha Jr, his parents, Frank and Sara Rocha, sisters, Juana Lucero, Sadie Lucero, and Lupe Munoz, brothers Frank Rocha Jr, Juan Rocha, Bill Rocha, and Richard Rocha.

Due to the new COVID restrictions the Recitation of the Holy Rosary & Mass of Christian Burial will be held early this week for Joe. Visitation will be Monday, November 2, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.