Kaden Lee Rocha

Kaden was the beloved son of Linda Gail Burdick of Merced and Gary Lee Rocha of Atwater. He was a proud and devoted father to his daughters, Jaden Lyn Rocha (Mitchell Pasquale) and Jordyn Lee Rocha (Caden Ordunez), and his best friend—his son, Jax Lane Rocha. Kaden’s heart was full of love for his beautiful granddaughter, Ivy Lee Pasquale.

He is survived by his loving parents; his sister Kari Lyn Slate (Wayne) of Le Grand; his sister Britni Rocha of Atwater; and his step-brothers Dustin Flansburg (Catrice) of West Virginia and Ryan Woirhaye (Jennifer of Montana; He also leaves behind his grandmothers, Claudia Shannon of Merced and Novalee Burdick of Atwater.

Kaden was dearly loved by a large extended family, including his aunts and uncles: Sis Buttrey (Brad) of El Nido, Joni Grubb (Rob) of Santa Barbara, Patti Burdick of Merced, Tammy Gasper (Danny) of Atwater, Chris Shannon (Betty) of Merced, and Kelli King (Coy) of Merced.

He was a proud uncle to Garrett Slate (Natalie) of San Diego, Jared Slate (Sydney) of Chowchilla, and Royce and Porter Clarkperez of Atwater. He also adored his great-nieces, Stella and Addison Slate.

Kaden was preceded in death by his aunt Paula Rocha Hawkins; his grandparents Frank and Frances Rocha, Wes Burdick, and Jerry Shannon.

Kaden began working at just 14 years old alongside his grandpa at Shannon Pump Company. He spent decades with the family business, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a love for building race cars—fueling his passion for racing. He later worked at Cal Customs, where he built lasting friendships and continued to grow both professionally and personally. Eventually, Kaden found his calling in real estate—a career that quickly became his dream job. He had a gift for connecting with people, and a respected veteran in the industry recently called him a “star,” which described him perfectly.

In the last couple of years, Kaden became the man he was always meant to be—confident, grounded, and full of heart. He had discovered a love for travel and dreamed of exploring the world. His warmth, kindness, humor, and joy for life were felt by everyone around him.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Buhach Hall in Atwater.

Kaden will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy lives on in his children, his granddaughter, and the countless lives he touched along the way.