Steven Roecklein

Steven William Roecklein passed away on August 11, 2023 surrounded by family and friends.

Steve was born January 16, 1945, in Minneapolis, to William and Shirley Roecklein. He was the first-born child for his young parents and the first grandchild for his maternal grandparents, who had a big influence on his childhood. A move to Marshfield, Wisconsin strengthened his bond with his paternal grandparents, instilling enduring family values.

Steve was an intellectually curious and educated man. He earned degrees from UW-Madison, UW-Stout, and Iowa State, ultimately earning a doctorate in Social Work. Joining the Army during the Vietnam era, he served as an Army psychologist and spent time both overseas in Korea and later in Aberdeen, MD. He was proud of his service and often shared "soldier comradery" with friends and members of his family who also served.

Steve completed his formal education in 1975 and began a distinguished career in Wisconsin and Minnesota. His passion persisted through partial retirement, during which he offered counseling service to single dads. At the same time, he explored the tenets of Emotional Intelligence, EQ, and became a recognized expert in the concept, often lecturing on the topic to interest groups.

Facing prostate cancer at 56, Steve became a resolute advocate with the Minnesota Prostate Cancer Coalition and served as the MNPCC president in recent years. Steve was a fighter and an informed advocate for men's health. He maintained a high quality of living and, through MNPCC, helped increase awareness of prostate cancer and support to many.

Steve cherished moments at his cabin on Wild Rice Lake in northern Wisconsin and enjoyed sharing his piece of paradise with others. He loved reading and current events and read the newspaper daily. Knowing the interests of others, he clipped articles and sent them by snail mail to family and friends. He had a passion for music and his life has its own double LP soundtrack. With his adopted moniker, Doc Rock, Steve could have complete conversations with folks using just the lyrics from familiar songs and groups. A favorite anthem of his was "You have to fight, for the right, to party!" (The Beastie Boys.) Dancing was another passion of Steve's and he often was "The Last Man Dancing" (Jake Shears) at events and social gatherings.

Survived by siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, Steve's legacy resonates through his energy, insight, and pride in family. His sisters: Jane Zwaschka (John), Mary Friedeck (Dan), Katherine Bowe (Carl), and his brothers: Charles (Lori), Thomas (Carol), and James (Cheryl) will miss him very much.

A memorial service honoring Steve's life will be held at the Theodore Wirth Park Picnic Pavilion (3275 Glenwood Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55405) on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), Twin Cities Public Television (TPT), or Oxfam America, Inc.