Rockford “Rocky” McCaleb
Wednesday, November 21, 1956
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Age:
69 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday February 26, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday February 27, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Friday February 27, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Marion Cemetery
Wednesday, November 21, 1956
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Age:
69 years old
Wednesday, November 21, 1956
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Age:
69 years old
Rockford “Rocky” McCaleb
Rockford “Rocky” Larry McCaleb, 69, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at home in the loving arms of his wife after a short battle with cancer.
He was born on November 21, 1956, in Rochester to Elaine (Perky) and Larry “Tuffy” McCaleb. Aside from time spent pursuing his education and boxing in Miami, FL and Minneapolis, MN, he lived his entire life in the Rochester area.
Rocky graduated from John Marshall High School in 1975, where he played four years of football and helped lead the team to back-to-back AA State Football Championships in 1973 and 1974. Those who knew him understood that whether on the field or in the ring, Rocky’s determination and competitive spirit was unmatched.
Boxing was the rhythm of Rocky’s life. He laced up his first pair of gloves at just eight years old and went on to fight for 23 remarkable years. Under the coaching of his father, Larry “Tuffy” McCaleb, Rocky compiled an astonishing 126 amateur fights with 79 victories. Among his many proud achievements were defeating an Olympic champion in May 1974, winning the Minnesota Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Heavyweight Division in 1976, and advancing to the quarterfinals of the National Golden Gloves. In 1976, Rocky turned professional under the management of Angelo Dundee, fighting 19 professional bouts with a record of 15-1-3.
Even after retiring from competition, Rocky’s love for boxing never faded. He dedicated 20 years to coaching at the Rochester Boxing Club, mentoring countless young athletes. In 1996, he and the club hosted Rochester’s first amateur boxing card in many years. In 1997, he founded Tuffy’s Promotions and brought professional boxing back to town, hosting the first pro card in two decades at Graham Arena. Tuffy’s Promotions went on to host five professional cards locally—milestones that remain part of Rochester’s sporting history.
Rocky’s passion for sports extended beyond the ring. He coached many young athletes—including his own sons, with the Rochester Youth Baseball Association and the Rochester Youth Football Association from 1990 to 1998 and served on the RYFA Board of Directors from 1994 to 1998.
Rocky married his high school sweetheart, Jane Bruning, on June 26, 1981. He and Jane were blessed with two sons, Bryan and Kevin, whom Rocky cherished coaching in youth football and baseball.
Over the years, Rocky worked for Frazer Construction driving semi-truck and operating McCaleb Construction, Inc. He later worked for IBC and Wonder Bread Hostess for many years before finishing his career as a limousine driver—a job he truly enjoyed, as it gave him the chance to share stories and connect with people from all walks of life.
Rocky is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jane; son Bryan (Alissa) and their children Alexandra, Jaxson, Brayden, and Issac; son Kevin (Jenny) and their children Colin, Harrison, and Oliver; and his sisters Nancy and Krisie.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Elaine (Ranfranz) McCaleb, and his sisters, Ruth Ann and Toni, and his Brother-in-law, Bill.
Rocky will be remembered for his strength in the ring, his gift for storytelling and a life well fought, well lived, and deeply loved.
A visitation will be held Thursday evening, February 26, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, along with one hour prior to his 2:00PM Memorial Service on Friday, February 27, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. A Reception/Celebration of Rocky’s life will follow in the River Park Reception Hall (connected to the chapel).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Companion, where Rocky found his beloved dog, Carley—a companion who brought him great comfort and joy.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Condolences
The family of Rockford “Rocky” McCaleb has received the following condolences.
Jane and family please except my utmost sympathy on the passing of Rocky. Though the years I have always enjoyed your company. Rocky did many project's for my family and the shop. He was in great spirits no matter what. My prays are with you.
Mydeepest condolences to all of you… I have so many fond memories growing up with Toni and Rocky back in the day…
wish I could’ve been there for his service today, but I’m in Florida with friends…
Sending prayers and hugs..
Cherish all those memories he was such a great guy!
Sincerely,
Laurie McPeak
Sorry to hear about the passing of Rocky. I enjoyed working with him at Wonder Bread.
you have our deepest sympathy.
It is with a heavy heart and rich memories of Rocky that I wish to pass along my condolences to the entire ”Rocky Family”. It seems like only yesterday that we were playing catch in his backyard - trying to give him a small break from boxing! He came from a great, friendly and loving family - without being there over the past 55 years, I know how he must have built his own family - I am sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Rocky. It is heartbreaking that he passed so young. I do not have many adult memories of Rocky since I moved away from Rochester over 40 years ago, but I do have some fond childhood memories, times spent with the McCaleb family and visits to Aunt Dee and Uncle Skip’s farm. One memory that has always stuck with me (whether perfectly accurate or not) is Rocky encouraging us to run across a pasture before a bull spotted us and gave chase. My sincere sympathies to the entire family, and especially to my cousins Nancy and Krissy. I am thinking of all of you from the Ranfranz side of the family.
Jane,Nancy, Krissy,Bryan, Kevin and all your family,Rockies, Uncle Lex loved 🥰 Rocky , he told me about him growing up, it was so Sweet 🥲.Thank you Rocky
Jane,
Rocky was an amazing man, so many memories we all have together. It’s been years, so sad to hear this, he will be missed, although his memories will live in all of us! I’m so sorry for your loss, sending love, hugs, and prayers to all ♥️ Kerri French
Jane, I did not really know your husband but I want you to know you have my sympathies. Take care
I’m so sorry to hear about Rocky‘s passing. In my mind, I still see that little smiley kid. My thoughts and sympathy go out to you and your family.
Debbie Cattoor
So sorry to hear about the loss of Rocky. We will miss his waves as he drives by the house …. Thinking of all of you…
Dear Jane and Family,
We feel so fortunate to have lived near you guys and had such wonderful memories with Rocky. From hanging out in the garage and your deck to bonfires in the back yard. The stories Rocky told always had me in awe of the amazing life you two created together. We send our love and prayers.
Hugs,
Amy, Matt, Tyler, and Bennett
Dale and I have been reminiscing about all of the fun times we’ve had. The trip to the Dominican Republic and water polo, tubing down the Apple River and the ride home from our bowling tournament. He’s such a great guy. Not to mention the great accomplishments he’s made in his amazing life. Love to you and your family Jane.
What can I say other than I feel blessed to have been welcomed to become a friend of your dynamic family . Love each and every one of you and treasure the time spent with all of you . Wished it was even more . Heartfelt sympathy for your loss and hugs to each of you .
Rocky was one of a kind. Behind that powerful punch was a heart of gold. His smile was infectious and sense of humor unmatched. My first memory of him was in grade school where he won a competition by eating an Eskimo Pie in 2 bites! Everything he did was with the same high level of commitment and determination. What an awesome human. God bless his memory. May the family have peace knowing what a wonderful life he lived.
Rich or Poor, young or old, Rocky was a friend to all. It’s not often you meet people in life that treated everyone as if they mattered and Rocky was one of the few. I’m Sorry for your loss and pray that you can find comfort in the fact he was loved by all. Joe Lund
Jane, I just saw the news that your life partner Rocky passed away. I’m sitting here writing this and can’t stop thinking of the great times I had with you, Rocky, Greg and Mary. I’m very greatfull for all the good times with Rocky and you, and will always cherish those memories. Jane, prayers to you and your family, Dave and Cheryl Cordie Palmer Alaska
Jane and family.
May your sweet loving memories carry you through the days, months and years ahead.
I am so glad to be reminded recently by Rocky that I was the one that introduced or encouraged Rocky to ask you out.
Here's to Rocky and your 50+ years together!
Love Bruce
So sorry Jane, Rocky was an awesome friend and great guy! Sending hugs to you and your family! RIP ROCKY❤️
My thoughts are with you and family. Jane, I just went through it. Sending you big hugs! Let’s meet for lunch when things settle down. Rocky was a great guy!!!
My heart goes out to you all during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort in the love of your family, friends and your cherished memories of Rocky. My deepest condolences.
Chris