Rolland, Ruel M. Beloved Dad,Grandpa, Great Grandpa Our Dad was a character and lived a very rich life. He was blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit, the gift of storytelling, a great sense of humor and was a kind and loving soul. In his early years growing up farming, his family struggled through the depression. While they were poor and it was a struggle to get through the days, it was a rich time in his life. He adored his grandmother and talked often of those years during the last few months of his life. Dad met Mom when she became the principle of the K-12 school in St. Hilaire, MN. I think it was love at first site. Early in their marriage, Dad had to leave home for work on the Alcan (Alaskan) Highway. He worked as a logger and told many (tall?) tales of blazing the trail through dense forest and bear attacks. They left northern Minnesota and settled in the White Bear Lake area. For a period of time, Dad owned and operated South Shore Transportation, the local bus service. He worked for Ramsey County as a deputy game warden trapping nuisance animals. For most of his adult life, though, he operated R. M. Rolland Cabinets and was considered by many to be a master craftsman. His cabinets can be found throughout the Twin Cities in homes and businesses. Take a trip through the Ramsey County courthouse and you'll find Dad's work. Of great importance to Dad and Mom was their faith. With a handful of other couples, they founded South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake and raised their family through the teachings of the church. When he wasn't busy at work, he loved to fish, go bowling or play a game of Cribbage. He was a league bowler for many years and won several trophies. His highest game was a 298. He passed on his love of bowling to the family. At one time, almost all of the family was in a bowling league, and one went on to bowl professionally. He took twice annual fishing trips, usually to Adrian's Resort in Baudette, MN, where he, Rolf and Steve, uncles, cousins and other friends would spend the week fishing, telling jokes and swapping fish stories. He passed on his love of fishing to us all. Today, some of his grandchildren are avid fishers. He was a practical joker, always quick with a joke to tell. As kids, we must have heard 10,000 Ole and Lena jokes. In typical Dad fashion, he made quick friends at Highland Chateau nursing home where he spent most of his days visiting with other residents in the community center. Three women came to visit Dad last Saturday morning -- they told Maren that they were his "harem." That's what he called the girls. He died very peacefully shortly after that. He knew that it was time; he made a point of saying goodbye to everyone over the preceding couple of days. He said that he was going to miss us and that he loved us all. We will miss you terribly, Dad. The family would like to say a special thank you to Dad's caregivers over the past four years - Kris and Barb Rolland, Molly Foster and Maggie Jo Banken. You all took care of Dad with great compassion, kindness and dignity. He remained "the boss" which was so important to him. With your care, we were able to keep Dad at home for almost four years! Thank you for everything you did for Dad. We would also like to express our appreciation and thanks to the staff at Highland Chateau. You are all terrific. Thank you for taking such great care of Dad and for helping our family over the last days of his life. Your kindness and support was tremendous. Thanks for being there with a hug when it needed. Preceded in death by wife Agnes, daughters Helen, Debbie and Marit Beloved dad of Priscilla Rolland, WBL, Rolf (Gayle) , Hudson, WI, Steve (Linda) , Eagan, and Maren (Mike) Hayes, St. Paul. Sons-in-law, Ron Reisinger, Mahtomedi, Doug Nack, Freeburg, MN 16 grandchildren and 23 Great grandchildren Mr. Rolland is a Charter member of South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church.