Randal G. Rockhill

Chatham

Randal “Randy” Rockhill, age 77, of Chatham and formerly of Munising, died unexpectedly at his home of a cardiac event on Thursday evening, June 4, 2026. He was born on August 1, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Ralph and Shirley (Hartman) Rockhill. Randy was a star pitcher on the Taylor Northeast 1961Little League State Championship Team. He was an outstanding baseball and football player for JFK High School in Taylor and graduated in 1966. Randy met Helen Salminen on a blind date while they were at NMU. They were married on August 24, 1968 and together they raised their three sons. Randy worked a number of different jobs over the years, he was a mechanic at Cox Chevrolet, Klosowski Oil, and he owned and operated L&R Service with his partner Leroy Salo. He also spent time working at Gitche Gumee Lanes and Munising Snowmobile Rentals in Wetmore. Randy worked for Munising Public Schools for many as an aide in the special-ed classrooms, he helped create the SRC program, and then in retirement was familiar face to all the kids as a regular substitute teacher. His summers were spent working at Pictured Rocks Golf and Country Club, not because he had to, but because he loved the course and the people. Randy loved to cheer on all the Detroit sports teams, but he was especially passionate about the Red Wings. He enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, and having a little friendly banter on Facebook. Randy was a true family man. He always did what he could for his family and tried to teach them lessons and give advice. Some advice came with a gruff tone, “Do as I say.”, “Sit don’t plop.”, “Hold the light for me, not for you.”, “That’s long enough!” and if you didn’t heed that advice the hot water would be turned off. He also taught many lessons on how to fix things (because Randy could fix everything) and the love of the outdoors. Randy also took great pride in being a grandpa, he loved supporting his grandkids in their sporting events and activities and the grandkids loved being with he and Helen. They lovingly gave Randy the nickname “Grumpy Grandpa”.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years – Helen Rockhill of Chatham; sons – Rich (Jessica) Rockhill of Cleveland, OH, Mike (Brittany) Rockhill of Munising; and Kiel (Emily) Rockhill of Munising; grandkids – Hailey, Carley, Whitley, Hunter, Hayden, Hudson, and Allie; sister – Dee (Don) Seymour of Taylor; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Shirley.

Visitation will be at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be at the Pictured Rocks Golf and Country Club from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to wear their favorite Detroit sports gear or Hawaiian shirt on Saturday in memory of Randy. Interment will held privately at Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham.