Stanton "Rocky Fisher" Nawrocki, 87,  took his final checkered flag on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Heritage Pointe in Fort Wayne. His body was tired and painful from years of auto racing, numerous injuries and years of hard work. Dementia moved in and robbed him of the ability to care for himself. His lungs were damaged from years of welding, factory work, pulmonary fibrosis and recent pneumonia. He declined quickly over the past couple months which was heartbreaking to witness. Hospice made his last days as comfortable as possible. He passed quietly and peacefully late in the evening with his daughter, April, by his side. His suffering is over and we are sure he is racing with all of his old buddies that had gone before him.

Born on September 14, 1937 in Hamtramck, Michigan, Rocky developed a passion for speed and competition from an early age. He began his racing career at the age of 15 and never looked back.  Over the years, he participated in various forms of auto racing, earning respect and admiration for his skill, determination, and sportsmanship. He was dedicated not only to driving race cars, but also to promoting races throughout the Midwest and Florida.  He shared his love of motorsports with his family and friends creating countless cherished memories.

As an accomplished race car driver, he earned several championships over the years including: 1962 CSRA Midget, 1970 & 1972 Limaland Speedway Sprint Car Champion, 1970 Eldora Sprint Car Champion, 1975 Warsaw Speedway Sprint Car Champion and 1988 Avilla Speedway Modified Champion and Top Gun Award Winner. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Avilla Speedway, Baer Field Speedway and Warsaw Speedway.  He received the highest honor of the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club, The President's Award, for his " legendary status as a talented race car driver and outstanding spokesman of the sport"

Outside of racing, he was a highly skilled welder and fabricator. He retired from Tokheim in 2000 where he was a Journeyman Millwright and Skilled Trades Union Steward for UAW local 1539.

Rocky is survived by his rock and biggest supporter, his wife of 54 years, Mary Louise (Stilwell, Perrey).  His children, April (Tod) Leamon, David Nawrocki, Gregory Nawrocki, Sally (Jeff Crabill) King and Randy (Karin Bouza) Stilwell.  Grandchildren: Ryan (Miranda) Nawrocki, Collin (Olivia) Reed, Nicole (Adam) Kinzel, Matthew (Megan) Stilwell, Holli (Brandon) Hattery, Kristin (Logan McCarthy) King, Alicia, Christopher, Amy, Rachel and Melissa and several great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley & Evelyn (Dryer) Nawrocki, brother Donald Nawrocki, sister Florence Matuszewski, son Kevin Nawrocki, 2 grandchildren and many very dear friends he lost along the way.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home from 3pm - 7pm, 3500 Lake Ave.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at St. Jude Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with visitation one hour prior at 9:30 am at the church, 2155 Randallia, with graveside service to follow at the Catholic Cemetery. (Weather permitting)

Special thanks to the staff in the Wurley Unit at Heritage Pointe for their exceptional care of Rocky and his family during his stay.

Preferred memorials in honor of Rocky may be made to St. Mary's Soup Kitchen, 1101 Lafayette St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Rocky will forever race on in the hearts of those who loved him.