John Richard Rork

John R. Rork, age 86, was a fun-loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He was born on October 12th, 1932 and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 30th, 2018. John was known for his big heart, silly humor, and love for his family.

John was the second child of Rowena Ernst Rork and John (Jack) Biehl Rork. Jack and Rowena started their family in Windsor, Colorado, welcoming daughter, Betty Jean, in July of 1923. John arrived nine years later in Denver, Colorado. John’s older sister, Betty, affectionately called her little brother “Ding Bat” and he called her his “little sister” because of her short stature. John stated that his father, Jack, had the biggest influence over his life, “My dad practiced what he preached - fairness, responsibility, honesty, hard work, commitment, pay your way, family, friends, and love.”

John grew up in Denver with a close-knit group of friends and a small but loving family. He graduated from South High School in 1950. John went on to attend Denver University and quickly moved on to the workforce. John started working at Wilson Sporting Goods in 1955 and enjoyed a 35-year career, taking on a variety of roles within the company. While working with Wilson, John lived in Colorado, was relocated to California, Utah, and Illinois; retiring as the Distribution Manager of Racquet Sports.

John once stated that one of the best times of his life was when he and a friend went on a trip cross-country. From January – April of 1952, with $600 each and a 1939 Dodge, they drove to St. Louis, went to Mardi Gras in New Orleans (complete with a “Mother” tattoo), lounged on the beach in Florida, drove to Washington DC, and visited Massilon, Ohio. Their car broke down and they took the bus back to Denver with thirteen cents in their pockets.

John married Anneliese (Anne) Buecher in 1955, in Denver, Colorado. They welcomed a daughter, Sharron Lee, in May of 1958, and son, John Paul, in May of 1960. The family was relocated to Buena Park, California in 1970 and in 1974 to Bountiful, Utah. As a family they enjoyed many camping trips, visits to the mountains, family holiday gatherings, and a European Tour. They visited Germany, England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. John and Anne later divorced.

John welcomed another daughter, Jenifer Rose, in September of 1974. John fell in love with and later married Jenifer’s mother, Rebecca (Becky) Lee Knight. They married in Whittier, California and moved to Bountiful, Utah. In 1980 the three moved to Naperville, Illinois. As a family they enjoyed neighborhood potlucks, bowling with friends, and swimming at Centennial Beach. In August of 1992 the family moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. John was semi-retired but enjoyed working a variety of odd-jobs. One of his favorites was as a Valet at The Santa Ana Star Casino. He worked there for approximately 9 years and had previously stated that what he liked most about his job was “meeting the people - because I’m a talker and love having conversations with everyone.”

John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Becky, of Rio Rancho; three children, Sharron Dougan and husband, Bruce of Colorado; John and wife, Galyn of Colorado; and Jenifer and husband, Kris Romero of New Mexico; six grandchildren, Shawn, Kayla, Kelsey and Jack of Colorado and Maya and Julia of New Mexico; and two great-grandchildren, Abilene and Teagan of Colorado; niece, Kim of Colorado; and cousin, Dorothy of California; and numerous friends. John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father, sister, and brother-in-law.

John always had a soft spot for rainbows, snow-covered mountains, Oreo cookies, Coors Beer, chocolate, pretty girls, his children, and grandchildren. John loved pulling pranks and shenanigans, helping those he cared about, and dancing as often as possible. His love of life, mischievous smile, and big heart will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter at www.alz.org/newmexico or mail to P.O. Box 21400, Albuquerque, NM 87154.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., at FRENCH-Rio Rancho.

FRENCH – Rio Rancho

(Unser Blvd. north of Northern)

1275 Unser Blvd, NE

Rio Rancho, NM 87144

(505) 338-2000