Justin K. Rook

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Watertown Area Special Olympics.

Justin Kenneth Thomas Rook, age 27, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, SD. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Watertown, with Pastor Dan Overbo officiating.  A meal will be served immediately following the memorial service. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel and prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Burial will follow at Lake Madison Lutheran Church Cemetery in Rutland at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Justin was an active member of the Saddle Up Club since the age of 8, where he found great happiness in horseback riding and the horses in general. He loved every horse he met at Joy Ranch and took time to pet and talk with them.  He proudly participated in the Special Olympics, competing in equestrian, bowling, swimming, track and field, and basketball. Justin did every event with enthusiasm, determination, and a smile.

Justin had an incredible memory, especially when it came to movies. He loved Disney Pixar's Cars, Shrek, and countless other favorites. Justin could tell you exactly when a movie was released, who voiced the characters, and even which movie theater he was in when he first saw it. His iPad was never far from his side, and he especially enjoyed watching Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, VeggieTales, and faithfully tuned in to Adam-12 every day at the same time with his dad.

Being outdoors brought Justin endless joy. He loved spending time outside, especially swinging for hours while singing songs loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear. His joyful spirit and carefree nature were contagious in the neighborhood as no one complained and just smiled. Visiting the zoo, was another outdoor event he enjoyed, especially the penguins at the Omaha Zoo and the bears at Bramble Park Zoo.

He enjoyed singing in his high school chorus and found great pride in being part of Arrow Time with the high school basketball team. Thanks to the encouragement of Nate DeSpiegler and Spencer Waege, Justin became involved with the team, where he built lasting friendships and wonderful memories. Brian Norberg was an exceptional coach and mentor who made a tremendous impact on Justin's life.

Justin also faithfully participated in the Buddy Walk, which he often took part in with either his best friend Hailey Schrage (German) or his Aunt Gloria. He continued to attend and support the event, now held at Joy Ranch, even when he wasn’t able to walk in it. His determination and empathy for the others were evident in everything he did.

Justin is survived by his parents, Gerald and Lori (Watertown); brother, Jacob (Sioux Falls); grandpa, Tom McCool (Madison); Uncle Dean McCool (Madison); Uncle Lyle and Aunt Gloria Smidt, and Jason and Mandy Smidt and his cousins Logan, Hayden, Harley, and Jordy (Brookings).

Justin was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Glennys McCool and Doris Rook and grandfather Glenn Rook.

Arrangements are entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel of Watertown and Hayti.

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