Roland “Rollie” Rehmann

Obituary

Roland “Rollie” Rehmann was born on August 18, 1926, to Otto and Alma (Kunkel) Rehmann in Bergen Township.  Rollie was baptized at home as a newborn late in the evening, as people were worried he wouldn’t survive until morning, but that wasn’t God’s perfect plan for him. The loving family he grew up in was a profound blessing throughout his childhood years. Two more children were born into the family: a sister, Lorraine, and a brother, Howard. Dad’s years on the farm taught him many things, such as hard work, responsibility, and good stewardship of the land and animals entrusted to his family.

Rollie went to school speaking only German and had to make the difficult transition of becoming an English speaker while learning his lessons. At the age of 8, Roland experienced his first real hardship with the death of his two-year-old sister, Lorraine. The family was quarantined as it was feared she had died of diphtheria, which was highly contagious and very serious. Roland completed the 8th grade and then decided he needed to help out at the farm, not an uncommon practice for farm kids, especially boys, at the time. His confirmation took place at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe on March 17, 1940.

The beginning of his life-long romance with Marlys Hoernemann began on the school bus. Their dates often consisted of attending dances, and they became very good dancers through the years. They were married on June 29, 1948.  Little did they know how many waltzes and polkas they would be privileged to do throughout their almost 75 years of marriage. Much to Rollie’s surprise, he got drafted after he and Marlys were married. He entered active duty in the United States Army in January 1952 and attained the rank of Corporal E4.  He served in Japan as his overseas duty and was honorably discharged in January 1954—quite an experience for the farm boy from McLeod County. Two daughters were born to the Rehmanns, Peggy and Karla. Right up until the end of his life, Rollie called them “his girls.” The girls are quick to say he was an Amazing Dad!

Rollie enjoyed the outdoors, especially time spent fishing, hunting, and playing golf. Growing beautiful roses was also something he enjoyed. Simple things brought him joy, like sausage, cold beer, and ice cream.  He was known for his pick-up style of playing old-time music on his concertina. Some of his admirable qualities included things like his faithfulness to the Lord, his church, and church family, and his kindness to others. He was a patriotic person who appreciated the USA.  Rollie thoroughly enjoyed telling stories through the years about farm life, country schools, the Army, and, of course, the years of dating and early years of his and Marlys’ marriage. Rollie loved people, and people seemed to enjoy spending time with him.  His magical smile and wonderful sense of humor brought smiles and laughter, even in difficult situations.

The people he loved most were Marlys, Peggy, and her husband, Steve Hatlestad, and Karla and her husband, Tim Ardolf. He adored his grandkids, step-grandkids, and great-grandchildren. Rollie taught them by how he lived to love and respect each other.

Rollie’s long, happy earthly life ended on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Glencoe Regional Health in Glencoe at the age of 99 2/3. Blessed be his memory.

Family members left to carry memories of him in their hearts include: daughters and sons-in-law, Steve and Peg Hatlestad, and Tim and Karla Ardolf. Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren: Tracy Hatlestad, Andy and Erin Hatlestad, Grady, Dane and Evie, Leanne and Jamie Ost, Carter, Camden and Aubrey, Mitchell Dahlke, Tessa and Jordan Lange, Emry and Harrison, Gracie Ardolf, and Garret Ardolf.

Rollie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlys; parents, Otto and Alma Rehmann; parents-in-law, Ed and Viola Hoernemann; sister, Lorraine; and brother, Howard.