Nearly 700 people packed Lord Fletcher’s restaurant this past April to honor the life of Jerry Rockvam, who passed away after a short battle with cancer. Lifelong Lake Minnetonka resident, long-time Spring Park mayor, and valued partner of Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle, Jerry left his mark on so many. Jerry and his wife Joyce opened Rockvam Boat Yards in 1961, successfully expanding over the next few decades, and in 1966, Jerry became Minnesota’s youngest mayor, who served as Spring Park’s mayor for nearly four decades, caring deeply for the community he served.
Jerry received countless recognition throughout his life, including the Orono High School Distinguished Alumni Award, named the 2002 Westonka Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, and was inducted into the North Central Marine Association Hall of Fame. But, perhaps what most knew Jerry for was his unwavering work ethic. His friends and family affectionately dubbed the celebration of life event at Lord Fletcher’s the “Get Back to Work Party.”
The city of Spring Park put out the flags on the streetlights, and during the event at Lord Fletcher’s, a nautical tree was displayed at the front of the restaurant, one of Jerry’s Christmas traditions. “He decorated the tree every year in our house,” shares his daughter Roxanne. “It was his project - seriously, he would not allow us to help!” A pontoon salute was also held in Jerry’s honor, escorted by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol.
We will certainly miss Jerry, and we thank him for all his incredible contributions to making our community a place we love to call home.