Mandel, Rockey Lahne

Rockey Lahne Mandel, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011, in Hiawatha. The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point.

Rockey was born Oct. 16, 1956, in Danville, Ill. He attended Georgetown High School in Georgetown, Ill. Rockey was a popular esthetician for some of the finest spas in the United States, including the Canyon Ranch Spa and Resort in Arizona. During his career he was also a travel agent, florist and candle maker.

On Nov. 6, 2010, Rockey married Douglas Mandel, his life partner of 30 years.

In addition to his husband, Rockey is survived by his beloved mother, Anne Lahne; loving sisters, Helen Cappello (Bruce) and Debbie Dill, all of Danville; and brother, Mark Dill (Lisa) of Paris, Ill.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, William Mandel (Vicki); and sister-in-law, Sandy Miller (Kevin). Rockey's nieces and nephews are Brittani Phelps, Billy Phelps, April Cundiff (Robbie), Ashley Borst (Jason), Hunter Dill, Jordan Dill, Carrie Mandel (Ken), Robin Mandel, Eric Mandel, Nicky Knauer, Becky Knauer and Scott Knauer.

At the time of his passing, Rockey was awaiting the birth of his great-nephew, Michael, who is being named after him. He is also survived by six great-nieces and nephews.

Rockey was dearly loved and will be missed by many, many friends and extended family members.

Rockey was preceded in death by his father, Leon Dill; and his stepfather, Floyd Lahne; brother, William Dill; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Rockey was a vivacious person with a contagious laugh and a compassionate heart. He loved traveling to foreign lands and caring for his furry children, Haleilah, Hasani and Hope.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. They took loving care of Rockey in his final days.

Floral tributes may be sent to the Murdoch Funeral Home in Center Point.

Please sign the online guest book for Rockey at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 16, 2011.