Stillwater, Oklahoma - Dr. John F. Rooney was welcomed into his heavenly home on April 7, 2025. John's celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The family asks that attendees wear bright colors rather than black. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Born December 15, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan to John and AdeLynn Rooney, John was baptized into the Catholic Church, and faith remained a guiding force throughout his life. From age eight through college, he served as an altar boy. His Catholic values shaped his teaching, relationships, family, and sense of purpose.

Growing up in Kankakee, Illinois, John was an outstanding athlete, lettering each year in four sports. It was also in Kankakee at a roller rink where he fell, literally and figuratively, for the love of his life, Sandra Schriner. She was a freshman and he was a junior, and their remarkable love story endured for over 70 years, marked by unwavering commitment and deep affection.

John began his college education at the University of Illinois, where he played baseball and pledged Sigma Chi—two passions he carried with him for life, along with his steadfast loyalty to the Chicago Cubs. Transferring to Illinois State, he discovered a deep academic passion for geography. He earned his Ph.D. from Clarke University before his 25th birthday.

Soon after John began his academic career at the University of Wyoming, he and Sandy welcomed their first child, Beth. He went on to teach at UCLA and Southern Illinois University before accepting a position in Exeter, England, where their family grew to include second daughter, Kate.

While in England, John was recruited to head the newly created Department of Geography at Oklahoma State University - a role he held for 25 years. Throughout his tenure, he was an inspiring educator, a supportive leader, and a pioneering scholar. He authored numerous books and articles, including The Geography of Sport, which established a new academic field, and The Recruiting Game, which accurately foretold the current state of college athletics. During this chapter of life, Sandy and John welcomed their son Dan, completing their family.

John had a rare gift for uplifting those around him. Whether in the classroom, on the golf course, with his beloved dogs, or traveling the world, he inspired others to live with joy, purpose, and integrity. A true extrovert, he drew energy from every connection and conversation.

He believed the secret to a meaningful life was combining who you are with what you love to do. He embodied that philosophy every day. His loud, infectious laugh, bright smile, and warm hospitality welcomed everyone. He and Sandy loved nothing more than hosting friends and family, filling their home with laughter, conversation, good food, and a glass or two of Chardonnay.

As a professor, John was legendary for knowing the name and hometown of every student and often remembered details about them decades later. His incredible memory and genuine empathy made each student feel valued and encouraged.

A passionate traveler, John visited 49 of the 50 U.S. states and many countries around the world through sabbaticals, cross-country road trips, wine tours in California, and golf adventures in Ireland and Scotland. He believed travel was one of life's greatest teachers and relished every opportunity to explore new cultures and landscapes.

An accomplished and passionate golfer, John founded the first comprehensive database of golf in America. His demographic research led to a 15-year collaboration with Golf Digest, bringing fresh insights to the sport he loved so deeply. He was a founding partner of The Patriot Golf Club in Tulsa and worked alongside of his favorite golfer Jack Nicklaus to build American Dunes in Grand Haven, Michigan.

One of John's greatest sources of pride was his son Dan's founding of Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members, and for which he was the first Board member. John's commitment to faith, education, and service undoubtedly helped shape the values that inspired this extraordinary mission.

Above all, John was a devoted family man. He was proud of his nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, offering them wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. He and Sandy filled their home with warmth, laughter, and the joyful presence of some very lucky dogs.

John F. Rooney will be remembered as a brilliant academic, a man of deep faith, a loving patriarch, a devoted husband and a generous spirit whose legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

John is preceded in death by his younger brother William (Bill) Rooney.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Rooney and his children Beth Powers (John), Kate Ventura (Robin) and Dan Rooney (Jacqy). He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan, Liam and Kyra Powers, Jack and Luke Harstad, and Victoria, Tatum, Mia, Reese and Devyn Rooney and his great granddaughter Chloe Powers as well as his sisters Mary and Catherine Rooney and his nephew Shaun Rooney.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that you please consider a donation to Folds of Honor, 5971 North Patriot Drive, Owasso, OK 74055.

Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by

visiting www.strodefh.com.