Eugene F. Rockemann (Gene) of Moraga, California died peacefully on April 19, 2026.

Gene was born on September 23, 1936 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He received an undergraduate degree from Chico State University and a masters degree from San Jose State University. Gene spent most of his life in the Bay Area, where he taught architecture at Chabot College and coached the ski team at Skyline High School. 

An avid skier and mountaineer, Gene will be remembered for his impressive adventures, which took him to the summits of some of the world’s tallest mountains including Kilimanjaro, Denali, Whitney, and Shasta. He attended summer and winter Olympics around the world, enjoyed captaining his boat on Lake Tahoe, and continued to visit new destinations well into retirement, including the base camp of Mt. Everest at age 76. 

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jon Rockeman. He is survived by his caring partner Robin Bereney; sister Gaynelle Raine; daughter Michelle Cavanagh (née Rockeman); grandchildren Jon Biancalana, Ava Higgins (née Rockeman), and Olivia Rockeman; and great-grandson Theo Jon Higgins. 

A funeral service is scheduled for May 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset View Mortuary (101 Colusa Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Himalayan Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Eugene Fred Rockemann, please visit our Tribute Store.