Obituary of Robert Lawrence Roling

HOLY CROSS, IOWA

Robert Lawrence "Bob" Roling, born on April 30, 1945, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on July 21 at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born to Leonard and Marcella Roling in Holy Cross, IA, Bob was a beacon of joy and strength in his community.

Visitation will be held from 2 -8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Thursday morning from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate with Deacon Dave Roth assisting.

Bob's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family and his passion for sports. He married his beloved wife, Alice (Pins), on November 8, 1969, at Holy Trinity Church in Luxemburg, IA, and together they built a life full of love and laughter in Holy Cross, IA. Bob's legacy continues through his children: Kim (Jason) Koeller of Kieler, WI; Peggy (Scott) Steffen of Farley, IA; Pam (John) Meinert of Farley, IA; Mark (Sara) Roling of Peosta, IA; and Kristin (Brian) Wessels of Dyersville, IA, who, along with their spouses and children, remember him as a devoted family man with a larger-than-life personality.

A respected entrepreneur, Bob co-owned the 4 Way Tap in Luxemburg, IA, with his wife Alice, as well as his brother-in-law and sister, Bill and Grace Pins, from 1975 to 2012. He also served his community through his work at Dave's Feed Store in Luxemburg, IA, where he retired on January 8, 2016, after more than 47 years of dedicated service. His early work ethic was evident from the age of 14, when he started working at the Holy Cross locker, and his commitment to the community continued as he hauled can milk for 16 years.

Bob's love for baseball was evident as he grew up on the ballfield where he played in his youth. He went on to coach the Holy Cross semi-pro baseball team, and also made significant contributions to the development of the pony league programs as a passionate coach and supporter of the athletic club. The impact he made on the many young individuals he coached has had permanent effects into their adulthood, shaping not only their athletic skills but also their character and community spirit. This dedication led to his induction into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame. He also coached the Holy Cross girls softball team.

His later years were joyfully spent cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchild at their various sporting events and activities. A card enthusiast, Bob was always ready for a game of euchre or a solo challenge.

Bob's infectious personality and dedication to his family left a permanent mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and the love he shared so generously, as well as his great storytelling and jokes that could light up any room.

Bob's grandchildren, who will carry on his legacy, are: Ella and Brie Koeller; Addison, Lincoln, and Jaelynn Steffen; Samantha (Nathan) Kruse and Olivia Schmitt; Mitch and Emily Meinert; Anna, Leah, and Abby Roling; Aiden, Elenora, and Harrison Wessels. His great-grandchild, Josephine Kruse, will also remember him fondly.

Bob is survived by his previously listed family as well five brothers: Marv (Gerri) Roling, Jim (Susie) Roling, Gene (LouAnn) Roling, Dennis (Sue) Roling, and Gary (Nancy) Roling, in-laws: Norma Deutmeyer, Bill (Grace) Pins, Luann Pins. He was preceded in death by his sister Alice Weber, brother-in-law Bob Weber, brother-in-laws Marv Deutmeyer and Emmett Pins, as well as his parents Leonard and Marcella Roling and his mother and father-in-law Arnold and Elenora Pins.

An avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs, and closely following the Atlanta Braves, Bob's enthusiasm for his teams was as fervent as his love for his family. His spirited support and lively game-day traditions will be fondly remembered by all who shared in his passion.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to associations supporting Alzheimer's like Bikes Behind Brains and groups supporting cancer research, particularly those related to pancreatic cancer.

Bob cherished his vacation time with his extended family, including annual trips to Adventureland. You could find Bob right by Alice's side on all of these trips along with everything else he did in life, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Bob's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and community. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those he touched.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Medical Associates and Mercy One Medical Center, as well as the staff of Hospice of Dubuque, for their compassionate care. Special thanks are also given to Father Tyler Raymond for his spiritual support during this time.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.