Roland G. ’Rollie’ Holsen

Roland Rollie Holsen, 92, died September 26, 2009 in the Palliative Care Unit at MeritCare. The son of Rasmus and Magnild Holsen, Rollie was born December 6, 1916 in Moorhead. He graduated from Moorhead High School and the Interstate Business College. On July 4, 1941 Rollie married Helen Dills in LaMoure, ND. Helen passed away July 14, 1977. On August 25, 1991, Rollie married Claire Schulberg in Moorhead. Rollie is survived by his wife, Claire; daughter Linda Lonnie Leach and son David Jill Holsen, both of Pelican Rapids; stepchildren, Jay Julie Schulberg, Grand Marais, Janece Tom Gaughan, Flagstaff, AZ, Terri Bullock, Moorhead, and Doug Lynn Schulberg, Detroit Lakes; grandchildren Kristi Ryan Wixo, Fargo, David Amber Leach, Moorhead, Catherine Wiseman, Moorhead and Benjamin Anna Holsen, Fargo; his brothers, John Joan Holsen, Mankato and Oscar Maxine Holsen, Fargo; step-grandchildren David Jenny Schulberg, Nathan Laura Gaughan, Abraham Gaughan, Sayer Gaughan, Kelsey Matt Villanueva, Braedy Jim Martinez, Shannon Mark Villanueva, Josh Jamie Bullock, Samantha Mark Shurke, Grace Schulberg and Greta Schulberg; and his sixteen great-grandchildren.Rollie served three years in the U.S. Army Air Corp in England during WWII. On his return, he worked for Ford Motor Company, W.W. Wallworks, Red River Publishing Company, Rigels, Knutson Outdoor Advertising, Falls Mobile Homes, and finally Eventide Foundation for 29 years retiring at age 87. During his retirement years he liked to spend winters in Lake Havasu and also took a trip with Claire to Norway to visit relatives. Rollie was active in community affairs, serving as General Chairman of Greater Moorhead Days 1953; President, Moorhead Chamber of Commerce 1957; Trinity Lutheran Church Council member; Sunday School Teacher, Trinity; Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board 14 years Chairman for 6 years; PTA Board Member, Moorhead American Legion member; and Member of Riverside Cemetery Board. He received the Care Providers of Minnesota Life Achievement Award in 2001. He loved watching sports, particularly football and baseball he was a diehard New York Yankees fan. He also enjoyed playing golf and cards poker with the guys; bridge with the ladies and visiting with people. In fact, when he took his grandchildren out with him, they would moan "Grandpa knows everyone." He had a firm knuckle-crushing handshake and his bear hugs were legendary. He lived a good long life and will be sorely missed by his family and a wide circle of friends. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley Robyn and Carolyn and staff of MeritCare Palliative Care Unit especially Chris, Ruth and Karen. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.