Carol Ann Rockne

Carol Ann Rockne, age 88, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Tom Anderson officiating.  The funeral will be livestreamed and can be watched below Carol’s obituary.  Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton at a later date.  Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, on Friday, December 22, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and honorary pallbearers great grandchildren.

Carol was born December 15, 1935 in Yankton, South Dakota to Paul and Ann (Reha) Tielke.  She grew up in Yankton where she went to Sacred Heart School and later attended and graduated from Mount Marty High School in 1953.  On October 22, 1955, Carol married David Rockne.  After their marriage, they made their home in Yankton and would spend the rest of their years there together.  Before she stayed home to raise her family, Carol worked at Gurney Seed and Nursery for several years.  After her sons were grown, she worked part time at JC Penney’s in Yankton.  Carol also worked many years as an election official for countless Yankton County elections.

Carol was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was always there for her family in so many ways.  She was a great cook who loved to host Christmas celebrations.  Making her “secret recipe” taverns and always having a birthday cake for Baby Jesus.  She was also an amazing daughter, helping her mother who never drove a day in her life get to where she needed to go.  They did many things together and were truly each other’s best friend.  Carol enjoyed the friendships she made while playing bridge at their monthly gatherings.  She enjoyed boating, camping, and road trips with her family.  But above all, Carol loved the Lord.  She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was a regular at daily Mass for many years.  She was truly dedicated to The Most Blessed Virgin Mary and prayed the rosary daily.  She also felt honored to sing in the funeral choir for many years at Sacred Heart Church.  Her example of love and dedication to her family and Our Lord was felt by all those who knew her.

Carol is survived by her son, Tom (Leann) Rockne of Yankton; daughter-in-law, Sherry Rockne of Yankton; ten grandchildren: Jason, Laura (Nathan) Hancock, Melanie (Michael) Greco, Stephanie (Kenny) Kopetsky, Jacob (Tanja), Vanessa, Sarah, Luke, Hunter (fiancé, Stephanie Schwartz) and Christopher; nine great grandchildren: Noah, Isaiah, Henry, Parker, Jace, Drake, Jett, Phoebe and Graham.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David on September 19, 2020; son, Mike Rockne on August 27, 2019; infant child in 1958; and brother, Don Tielke.

Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart School (in care of the foundation office), the Family Radio Rosary (mail to: Tom Tacke, 1400 Sunrise Dr. Yankton, SD) or the Yankton Contact Center Food Pantry (321 W. 3^rd St. Suite B02, Yankton, SD).