John Torres Rocha

John Torres Rocha, 90, of Topeka died Thursday, March 11, 2010 at St. Francis Health Center. 

John was born May 2, 1919 in Topeka the son of Emeterio and Justina (Torres) Rocha.  He served in the Pacific Theatre with the United States Army during WW II.  John was a cannoneer in the 736th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion.  He was honorably discharged.

He was employed by the AT & SF Railroad for 30 years before he retired.   

John loved to garden, being outdoors and most of all his grandchildren

He was a life member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and the Telecommunications Carmen Union.

John was married to Maria “Hazel” Valdivia on April 20, 1947 in Topeka.  She survives. 

Other survivors include, a daughter Jeanette Rocha Peterson and her husband Kurt of Lawrence, a son George Vincent Rocha and his wife Loretta of Berryton, eight grandchildren, Vincent, Jessica, Matthew, Zach, Kyle, Jonathan, Jesse and Honor and four great grandchildren, Antonio, Cameron, Vince and Lilly.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Two brothers and a sister preceded him in death.

John will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a rosary at 5:00 p.m.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of the funeral home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka 66603.