It is with heavy hearts that his family announces that Brock Alan Rookhuyzen, 13, finished his mortal journey in the early morning hours of December 12, 2024, with his loving parents by his side.
Brock was born on April 20, 2011, in Mesa, Ariz., to Bryan and Lindsay Rookhuyzen and is their fifth child and fourth son.
Half of his life was spent in hospitals or otherwise overcoming his various medical diagnoses, but the other half was spent bringing joy to those around him. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, sassy personality, and his love for his family.
During his last five months of life, spent at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, he used what energy he had to spread cheer to both his care team and the other children who were in the ICU with him.
Brock had a firm testimony of Jesus Christ and a great desire to follow his example. Despite his complicated medical conditions and his own fears, he followed his Savior’s example and entered the waters of baptism. Later he served faithfully in what ways he could as a deacon in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his parents and his five siblings, Jocelyn, Tate, Chase, Kooper, and Max, as well as his grandmother, Debe Jorgensen, and uncle, Joseph Jorgensen, who lived with and helped cared for Brock for most of his life.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Alta Mesa Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5350 East McClellan Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205. A viewing will be at 9 a.m., with the celebration of life at 10 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for new, unopened toys or games to be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in memory of Brock.