Obituaries: Sept. 11, 2026

Margit Gorog Demicke

May 31, 1936-September 9, 2026

Margit G. DeMicke, age 90, of North Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on Sep 9, 2026, in Holland, Michigan.

Margit is preceded in death by her husband, Peter DeMicke; parents, Sandor and Rozalia Gorog; sister, Terez; and daughter, Linda Andre.

Margit is survived by her daughter, Janet Andre (Richard Stec), and sibling, Leslie (Linda) Gorog.

A future memorial service is planned in Holland, Michigan, with final interment at Elmlawn Memorial Park, 3939 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217.

Mom was proud to be Hungarian. She would tell anyone she would meet she was surprised she made it to be 90 years old. When the Russian forces moved through Hungary at the end of World War II, the family decided to leave Hungary. They got as far as Graz, Austria, spending the next seven years living in a Displaced Peoples Camp. Mom typically referred to the camp as Hitler’s barracks, its previous use. While there, Mom was hospitalized for typhoid fever, placed in a sanatorium for tuberculosis, and tragically lost her younger sister to typhoid fever. Catholic Charities helped move the family to the United States in 1952. The family was one of the last immigrants processed through Ellis Island and placed in Buffalo, New York. I have the one trunk that contained the belongings they brought to the U.S. At that time, there were no social benefits; they had to work to survive. I think this childhood contributed to Mom being tough, feisty, and critical. Even though she could be ornery and negative, she loved and helped those she loved.

Fast forward to a more recent time - Mom married Peter, and they were married for 39 years. After retirement, they moved to Florida and enjoyed their house in the warm Florida sunshine. Well, most of the time. Mom would tell everyone Hurricane Irma was a "piece of cake," compared to Hurricane Ian.

They had many caring neighbors in Palm Island. They spent significant time at a wonderful Hungarian club, the Petofi Club, and at the local Am Vets and VFW clubs. Mom enjoyed fermented water (wine), dark chocolate with hazelnuts, and Richie’s salmon. After Pete's passing in 2023, Mom's health declined. Mom had several falls in her Florida home, which led us to bring her to Michigan in March 2025.

She was living in a nearby assisted-living community to allow us to help care for and visit her. It was the right decision because over the next 18 months, Mom had multiple hospital visits and rehab stays from breaking her left hip, then her right hip, several UTIs, COVID-19, and an irregular heartbeat.

Rich and I were able to spend time and help motivate Mom to get back on her feet, which she grudgingly supported during these 18 months. I cannot say Mom enjoyed the cold weather in Michigan, but she did relish the attention of having Rich, her favorite Polish son-in-law, and myself, the Boss, spending time with her daily. On Sept. 9, Mom, with me by her bedside, decided it was her time to join her father, Sandor Gorog; daughter, Linda Andre; mother and Peter.

Mom will be interred with her daughter, my sister, Linda.

Donald Michael Rockey

April 30, 1974-September 7, 2026

Don “Rockey” Rockey, age 52, of Allendale, after a courageous battle, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, September 7, 2026.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Melissa; children, Joey, Savannah, and Merissa Rockey; parents, Orville and Kathy Rockey; brother, Dan Rockey; in-laws, Lois (Nick) Bristol; and in-laws, Anne (Dave) Nutall. Don was blessed to have his lifetime and closest cousins who God gave as honorary brothers and sisters. Amongst these, Don was blessed with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Some people are given a smooth path, but Don was given a mountain — and he climbed it with unmatched grace. At just 15 years old, Don became a childhood cancer survivor, beginning a lifetime marked by battles that would test him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thirty years later, he would face another extraordinary challenge as a heart transplant recipient, followed by years of battling lung and kidney failure. Through every mountain, every setback, and every uncertain day, Don kept climbing.

His earthly body endured more than most could imagine, but his spirit remained strong. The road was incredibly hard, yet Don never gave up. He kept fighting physically, and just as importantly, he kept fighting spiritually. His faith in Jesus Christ remained steadfast through every trial. He didn’t just believe in Jesus when life was good — he trusted him when life was at its hardest. Because of the incredible strength he showed through every battle, we began calling him “Rockey Strong.” It was more than a nickname — it became a way of describing who Don was. Like Rocky, he kept getting back up. No matter how hard the fight became, Don kept standing, kept moving forward, and never surrendered.

Don had a genuine love for people. His family and close friends were always at the center of his world, and above all, he loved his wife, Melissa, and his three children, Joey, Savannah, and Merissa. They were his heart, his greatest source of love, and a constant reason to keep fighting.

Over the last six years, as Don faced some of his greatest health challenges, his circle of people he loved grew in ways none of them could have expected. Along the way, he formed many newfound friendships with the doctors, nurses, caregivers, therapists, and healthcare workers who walked beside him through his fight. They became more than people caring for him; they became friends, part of his journey, and part of his story. Don had a way of connecting with people, and even in the midst of his own struggles, he could make those around him feel valued and appreciated.

Again and again, Don found the strength to face whatever came next. He fought, and he won. Then another battle would come, and he fought again. Physically and spiritually, he refused to give up.

Don’s life became a testimony of perseverance, courage, faith, and love — a reminder that victory isn’t always found in never being knocked down, but in refusing to stay down. Through every battle, Don never walked alone. He carried his faith with him, and that faith carried him through.

His earthly body may have been broken by years of battles, but his soul remained untouched. And now, after a lifetime of climbing mountains and fighting battles, Don has finally laid his burdens down. His earthly fight is over. He is resting safely, breathing easily, and whole in the presence of his savior, Jesus Christ.

While those who loved him will miss him more than words can express, his legacy will live on — in Melissa, his children, his family, his friends, the healthcare friends who stood beside him, and in everyone whose life he touched.

Rockey Strong to the very end.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Resurrection Life, 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville. Please enter through Doors E and H, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed: youtube.com/live/6e12uCDunIM?feature=share.

The family will also receive relatives and friends from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, September 14, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Melissa to assist with final expenses.