Roscoe "Rocky" Middaugh

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Roscoe “Rocky” Middaugh lived life to the fullest while holding his loved ones close to his heart. He was a man of great character who loved nothing more than making those around him happy. Rocky had a special place in his heart for all kids and was thrilled to welcome not only children but a grandchild into his heart as well. Free-spirited and passionate, he had a love for life that was easy to see, which made him so much fun to be around. Rocky was an extraordinary man who will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of the nation were focused on WWII that was blanketing more and more of Europe. On December 8, 1941, we began sending troops overseas while loved ones who remained stateside gathered around radios to await news from the front lines. There was celebrating in the street when the Allies were victorious in 1945, and with the return of those serving in the military the baby boom was soon underway. It was during the transition period of becoming a nation at peace once again that a young couple from Vicksburg, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on November 30, 1946. Roscoe was the younger of two children born to his parents, Roscoe and Anna Middaugh, and he was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Robert.

In many ways Roscoe, or Rocky as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of his generation. His father and mother owned a gas station. When he got a bit older Rocky worked at his father’s station until he was 17. He was also a student at local schools including Vicksburg High School. In the 60's and 70's Rocky loved to dance and roller skating. His nickname at the roller rink was "rubber legs".

After graduating from high school in 1964, Rocky moved to Florida for a time. It was also as a young man that Rocky married a young woman named Karen Kotecki. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Ryland and Rosanne. Rocky often took his children camping in Irons, Michigan, where they stayed at Pine Lake Villas, usually over the week of the Fourth of July each year. Throughout his life Pine Lake Villas was his favorite place on earth, and he loved going there over any holiday. Later in life Rocky was thrilled to become a grandfather to Dylan, and he was looking forward to the birth of another grandchild who is on the way.

Although his family was always first and foremost in Rocky’s life, he also kept busy in other ways. For 33 years he worked at the State Hospital in Kalamazoo where he did a variety of different jobs. A free-spirited guy with a love for speed, Rocky enjoyed riding his motorcycle and also loved his Bugatti Boattail race car. He raced go-karts in the sixties and again more recently. When it came to music, Rocky liked Motown and the Golden Oldies. In addition, he was an amazing cook who was also a master of the grill, which his family and friends greatly appreciated.

As his family and friends can attest, Roscoe Middaugh was one of the nicest people around. He could seem a bit stubborn at times, but it was only when he felt passionately about something. Rocky was frugal, kindhearted, and devoted to the family he loved more than life itself. Generous enough to give away the shirt off his back, he simply enjoyed making life just a little bit better for those around him. A dear man to many, Rocky leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by his family and friends.

Roscoe “Rocky” Middaugh, of Vicksburg, died on Friday, October 17, 2014. Rocky’s family includes his daughter, Rosanne Middaugh, of Portage; grandson, Dylan Johnson and one more on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rocky was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Anna Middaugh; one son, Ryland; and brother, Robert. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1-2 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Rocky’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and/or the family to help pay for funeral expenses.