Apple Valley – Gary A. Rolandson, age 83, of Apple Valley, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on October 26, 2023.
Gary was born on July 13, 1940 to Orville and Belle Rolandson. He grew up in Thief River Falls on the family farm and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1958.
After high school, he enlisted in the Army reserve and after his service in the Army moved back to the Erskine area and opened an auto body shop. His passion for his business was apparent to his customers that he served for over 30 plus years in the Erskine area.
His family, faith and friends were predominant in his life. He loved hunting on his family farm, and fishing at the family cabin. His enjoyment of the outdoors was always evident in his lifestyle, which included long walks and the love of gardening.
Gary and Mary Ann were united in marriage at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosemount. Their faith was central to their lives, attending Shepard of the Valley and St. Joseph faithfully every Sunday. They loved to walk and bicycle the neighborhoods and lakes of Minneapolis and take trips to visit family, the cabin, watch grandkids activities and go south to Arizona, Texas or Florida in the winter.
Gary had a passion for the Vikings, Notre Dame football and the Minnesota Gophers. He loved ice cream. His life was directed in the ways of the Lord… Faith, Family, and Friends. Gary will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Dolores Andersen; brother-in-law, Rollie Larson.
Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; children: Mark (Kimberly) Rolandson, Chad (Holly) Rolandson and Angie (Trevor) Augenstein; and his children’s mother, Judy; grandchildren: Garrett, Austin, Brandon, Dylan, Kadie, Joe, Brennan, and Sophia; siblings: Bev Larson and Kenneth (Lynn) Rolandson; also by other loving family and many friends. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at White Funeral Home (14560 Pennock Ave., Apple Valley, MN 55124). Memorial visitation took place from 10–11 a.m. prior to the service.
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