David Bruce Rockey was born in Hemingford on July 21, 1935 to Dale and Alice (Planansky) Rockey. He passed away on April 24, 2025 at Bickford Senior Living in Lincoln.
The second of five sons, Bruce graduated from St. Agnes Academy in Alliance, Boise Junior College, Chadron State College and Kearney State College (UNK). He served in the United States Navy as a Sea Bee in 1956 and 1957.
Bruce married Sally O’Connor of Alliance on August 4, 1959, while attending Chadron State College. Upon graduation, he taught Industrial Arts at Arthur County High School and then at Lewellen High School. He coached multiple sports at both schools. After receiving his master’s degree in 1967, Bruce became the Director of Vocational Education at Alliance High School, and in addition to teaching also served as Activities Director for some time.
In 1985, Bruce took a position with Educational Service Unit 9 in Hastings, working with area teachers to enhance vocational education and training programs and helping place students in jobs that afforded them a career path.
When he retired, Bruce did what he had done for decades in his free time; repair, building and remodeling projects for people. Never one to sit still, Bruce was happiest when the sawdust was flying, and the house and yard were shipshape.
Over the years, Bruce was also active with the Elks Lodge in Alliance, serving as Exalted Ruler, and with Travelers Protective Association in various state and national roles.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Sally of Lincoln, son Brian (Dawn) and grandson Gus of Lincoln; Dawn’s parents Don and Jan Egenberger of Lincoln; brothers Mike (Wendy) of Oklahoma City, OK; John (Loretta) of Harrisonville, MO; and Tom (Sandy) of Olathe, KS; sister in-law Nellie O’Connor of Lincoln, as well as dozens of extended family members from coast to coast. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Stacy, brother Jim (Col. US Army retired) and his wife Deanie of Virginia; Sally’s parents Hugh and Bess (Butler) O’Connor, her sister and husband Betty and Mike Manning, and her brother Frank O’Connor.
A funeral mass is planned at St. Celia’s Catholic Church in Hastings on Monday May 12 at 2 p.m., preceded by the Rosary at 1:30 p.m., with inurnment at a later date in Alliance.
Memorials to the family for future designation. Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home of Lincoln in charge of arrangements, www.bmlfh.com.