Rolland Maynard Girdeen, age 84 of Hager City WI, died on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Atrium Care Center in Ellsworth. Rolland was born May 1, 1935 in Cannon Falls MN to parents Oscar and Della (Bystrom) Girdeen. Rollie graduated from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1953. Rollie proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was united in marriage on January 29, 1970 to Sharon Bee. Though their marriage later dissolved, Rollie was blessed with three children, Karl, Kevin, and Kristina, and two step-daughters, Shelly and Cindy.

Known to many throughout the years as “Slim”, Rollie worked for over 50 years in Red Wing, retiring from what is ADM today. When not at work, Rollie was at home, working on the farm and raising beef cattle. Rollie was committed to hard work. A tough man with a heart of gold, his friendship and handshake were iron clad. Rollie was well versed in buying and selling land, and he played a key role in helping many others get their start in farming. He enjoyed his visits with others, annual trips to Fond du Lac and Oshkosh for fishing and the air show. Rollie also enjoyed travel to Europe and Sweden to connect with relatives. Rollie was a proud Swede who was especially proud of his kids and his family. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Rollie is survived by his children, Karl (Michelle) Girdeen of Ellsworth WI, Kevin (Doreen) Girdeen of Castle Rock CO, and Kristina (Dr. Timothy) Fauler of Hoosick Falls NY; step-daughters, Shelly (Keith) Tollefson and Cindy (Dan) VanSomeren; grandchildren, Olivia, Julia, and Andrew Girdeen, Elyssa and Tyler Girdeen, and Ayla and Sam Fauler; siblings, Rochelle Johnson, Roger (Alvina) Girdeen, and Jim (Debbie) Girdeen; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Della; infant sisters, Donna Mae and Dorothy Mae; and brother-in-law, Robert Johnson.

Funeral services honoring the life of Rolland Girdeen will be held at 11:00am on Friday, November 15th at the Svea Lutheran Church, N2610 770th Street in Hager City, WI, with Pastor Dean Lundgren officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to services at the church on Friday, and also from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursday, November 14th at the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home, 130 N Grant Street in Ellsworth. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Svea Lutheran Church. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth WI. 715-273-4421