Pass and Rockey collection

George W. Pass was born in Pella, Iowa in 1848. As an experienced carpenter and contractor, he opened his own carpentry shop in Mankato, Minnesota in the year of 1877. While expanding his business to contracting, he was also involved with small architectural design projects. He became a full-time architect in 1887. He designed residences, jails, and commercial buildings with his partner Albert Schippel from 1887 to 1902. Paul Rockey joined him later in 1927, and succeeded the practice after Pass’ death on June 9, 1931 in Mankato.

Paul Thomas Rockey was born in Freeport, Illinois in 1894. In 1917 he graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and structural engineering. He worked for the firm Grabe & Helleberg in Columbus, Nebraska as a draftsman, then he joined the armed forces in World War I for two years. When he returned from the war, he continued to work for Grabe & Helleberg for another two years. He then joined George Pass & Son and became Pass’ partner. After succeeding Pass, Rockey was a structural engineer for Giffels & Vallet, then Graham, Anderson Probst & White of Chicago during World War II. Later in the 1970s, Rockey partnered with Walter B. Cheever (Rockey and Cheever) which continued as Cheever and Asleson. He passed away November 3, 1979 in Mankato.