Rock S. Lewandowski, age 61, of Isanti died February 6, 2022 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 11th at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cambridge. A visitation will be held from 4 – 7 P.M. Thursday, February 10th at Strike Life Tributes in ISANTI and also one hour prior to the funeral Friday at the church. Interment will be in Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery, Camp Ripley, Little Falls.
Rock Steven Lewandowski was born September 2, 1960 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Carl and Virginia (Gapinski) Lewandowski. He was raised and attended school in Foley. After high school he served his country in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division. He later attended college at St. Cloud Technical College and the University of Minnesota. Rock married Laurie Lauder on April 15, 2006 and they have lived in Isanti ever since.
Rock had a larger-than-life presence and was known for his charming smile, great big laugh, and being able to offer strength and encouragement to others in their times of need. He would do anything to make his children and grandchildren smile. He loved and cared for them deeply and has different, but special bonds with each of them. He was known for finding great joy in food, especially buffets, but was also known for his own mashed potatoes, pies and salsa.
Growing up, he was a bright student, talented musician, gifted athlete, and more. Rock had strong lifelong bond with his twin, but loved and cared for each of his siblings. The stories with Rock and each brother or sister are endless.
Rock’s Tae Kwon Do school, which he built from the ground up, was an immense source of pride and joy for him. He strove to teach his students skills through TKD, such as discipline, integrity and perseverance that they could use not only in this beautiful art, but also in helping them navigate life outside the gym. He loved teaching others and had an amazing way of being able to connect with anyone to help them to master any skill.
Rock also took much pride in being a hard and dedicated worker. Working first for Pine County and then for more than 20 years for the Isanti County Highway department. He was always busy at work, and in life, never doing less than his best.
Rock was a proud veteran, serving in Grenada, where he received his Combat Infantry Badge, the Sinia Peninsula in Egypt, and Central America. He was a big believer in our shared humanity and always tried to find the light and hope in situations.
Rock had a lot of love to give and truly wanted the best for every person in his life. Caring for and helping others was never-ending and provided Rock with unlimited happiness. His strength, that many have said seemed super-hero-like, was vastly influential to many of the people that he has met throughout his life which has offered them their own strength and guidance. Rock was truly one of a kind.
Rock Lewandowski passed away February 6, 2022 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital at the age of 61 years, 6 months and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl.
Rock is survived by his wife, Laurie; children, David (Heather) Aukstakalnis, Laura (Josh) Welch, Charlie (Samsam) Lewandowski, Dannielle Lewandowski, and Jessica Lewandowski; mother, Virginia; siblings, Rory (Marcia) Lewandowski, Cindy (Bryan) Novak, his twin brother, Gil Lewandowski, Gail (John) Lewandowski-Guizowski, Mark (Julie) Lewandowski, Vickie (Rob) Lewandowski-Kempf, Gary (Margaret) Lewandowski, and Patric (Tiffany) Lewandowski; grandchildren, Titan, Boden, Ariana, Carlos, Zach, Yusuf, Adam, Lucy and Mila; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Maria Lynn Lauder and John Bryant; and by other relatives and friends.
Rock’s laugh is what I’ll miss most. It could fill a room. You always knew it was him. So quick with his Banter and the smile that followed. There is no replacing that..but it will always be burned in my memory.
Rock is an amazing man. His laughter and smile alone would incite happiness. The love he had for his children was second to none. His quick wit made get togethers that much more fun. He embodied what it means to be a good person. The world is emptier without him, but his love and memories will live on through all that he has touched in life.
Rock was a good friend and good at being a friend. I had the privilege of training ju jitsu with him for many years. When it came to martial arts you definitely wanted to be on his side. We’ll certainly miss him
Loved Rock!! All my thoughts and prayers to his family..
Rock was a great person to be around. Always lit up the room. Always fun and polite. Always there to help out with a smile.
My heart reaches out to the family of Rock. Knowing him as a friend and fellow TWD student Was an honor and I can’t imagine the loss to those who are his family. He always filled the room with joy and inspiration. His never ending smile turned a bad day into a good day.
I remember the first time I brought my grandson Damien to Master Rocks class within 5 minutes I knew this is the man I wanted to mentor Damien. Rock definitely lived up to his name!!
To his family I know this is a huge loss to bare and we hope that comfort and peace will be yours with time knowing he was so loved.
We really enjoyed knowing him.
It was a privilege to train with Rock for many years even before he had his own school. The man could kick like a mule, but his gentle and compassionate nature was ideal for elevating many students of all ages. He taught me much. He is loved and he will be missed.