Roland Thomas Church

Roland Thomas Church, affectionately known as Rollie, Rollie T, Papa Rollie, Uncle Boo-boo, and most notably Mr. Church, was born on April 11, 1947, in Cass Lake, Minnesota. He passed away from complications of dementia, surrounded by Hospice, family and staff at Hills Crossings Assisted Living in Nisswa, Minnesota, on May 29, 2024.

Roland attended high school in Silver Bay, Minnesota and completed his college studies at both Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota Duluth. He began his teaching career in Buhl, Minnesota as a typing and business teacher, later transitioning into administration. In 1986, he moved his family to Deer River, Minnesota, where he served as the assistant principal and athletic director until his retirement in 2003.

Roland is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Carol (Haglund) Church and his children: Melanie (Jeff) Britten, of Trout Lake, Nicole (Seth) Nelson of Brainerd, and Lee (Breanna) Church, of Deer River. He was a proud uncle and loving grandfather to Dustin, Garret, and Taylor Britten; Morgan and Bailey Walsh; Nora, Natalie, and Henrik Nelson; and Gus and Liliana Church. Rollie is also survived by sisters: Wendy (Paul) Jensen and Cindy (Ed) Maki of Silver Bay, Sere Ann (Jeff) Kratchowill of Wisconsin and brother Harvey Church of Tennessee, as well as favorite Aunts Nancy Engel and Nan Northrup of Plymouth and Cousin Rodney Church of Isanti and friend for life Darrell McNeil of Maple Grove.

Roland married Carol in 1978 and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. His hobbies included hunting and fishing, with a motto that no fish or deer was too small and that they always seemed to look bigger from a distance. He enjoyed driving through car lots "just to look around," stopping for a Diet Coke, and spending as much time with Carol as possible.

Roland had a deep passion for education and always emphasized its importance as a fundamental component of success. He was a constant story teller, sharing his experiences, words of wisdom, and anecdotes with anyone who would listen. Equally important to him was learning others' stories, as he loved meeting new people, finding commonalities, and making new friends wherever he went.

As a father, Grandpather and coach, Rollie spent time cultivating the skills of his children and grandchildren, whether coaching fourth-grade basketball , tossing a baseball, or imparting life lessons. His patience and dedication were evident in all his endeavors. Rollie would always find time to attend the special events of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

We are deeply grateful for his story telling, which was a cherished gift to all of us. His stories not only entertained but also brought us closer together, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. The legacy of his stories will continue to be a source of inspiration and comfort for his family and friends, especially his grandchildren who will carry forward his love for sharing and listening to tales.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Helmy Church and his beloved dog, Sporto.

A memorial service will be held on June 15, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Deer River, MN with Visitation at 1:00pm and Celebration of Life at 2:00pm. Interment will be at a later date at Moorhead Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to reach the following: Moments Hospice of Brainerd, 17021 Commercial Park Road Suite 8 Brainerd, MN 56401 or Breath of Life Adult Day Services 200 Buffalo Hills Lane East, Brainerd, MN 56401.

Rollie will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, education, and storytelling will continue to inspire and uplift those he left behind.

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