Roland K. Vik

Roland K. Vik, 74, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2007 at Villa Maria in Fargo.Roland was born June 30, 1932, in White Oak Township near Akeley, MN to Reuben and Mildred Vik. He graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1950, with honors. He enlisted to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of a Master Sergeant. Roland was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and Korean Battle Ribbon with two bronze stars. After his honorable discharge in 1952, he attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.He met his wife, Marguerite "Pat" Cicero, while attending college. They married in 1953 in Praco, AL and Roland went to work as the Art Editor of the Air University Quarterly Review in Montgomery, AL. Roland and Pat moved to Park Rapids, MN and Roland soon began his distinguished career in county government. He served the County of Hubbard as Deputy Recorder, County Treasurer and Auditor/Administrator, retiring in 1994. He was President of MN Association of County Treasurers in 1965 and received the Excellence in Government Award from the Association of Minnesota Counties in 1989. Roland was an active member of the community, serving as President of the Rotary Club, St. Joseph's Hospital Governing Board, North Minnesota Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters, member of Minnesota Korean War Veterans, American Legion-VFW, Historical Society, North Country Museum of Arts, Hubbard County Law Library Board, Airport Zoning Board and Sons of Norway. He was a life-long, active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, serving as President of the congregation, Building Committee, choir and bible study. Roland taught art and exhibited his watercolors, pastels and oils throughout northern Minnesota. He enjoyed architectural design, photography and developing his own pictures. An avid outdoorsman, Roland enjoyed hunting and fishing and time on the houseboat he built. He truly enjoyed birds and blooms and knew all of their names in Latin! He was a beloved son, brother, husband, and father who inspired those closest to him with his unwavering principals and firm faith. He is survived by his true companion and wife of 53 years, Pat Vik.Roland and Pat have four children, LaDonne Roland Vik Vicky, Moorhead, MN, Erik Vik, Gainesville, GA, Brenda Ronson Kyle, Lake Worth, FL and Vanita Ohlgren Rick, Horace, ND.He is also survived by grandchildren Taylor Vik, Tennley Vik fianc?, Eric Astrup, Melissa Kettler Brent, Michael Vik Ashley, Ian Ronson and Lauren Ronson and one great-grandchild, Noah Kettler. Roland's oldest brother Norman Vik June, lives in Tampa, FL and his younger brother, David Vik Shirley, lives in Park Rapids, MN. He was proceeded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Reuben Olaf Vik, Jr.