Roy Robert Rollings

Hudson, SD: Roy Robert Rollings, 88, of Hudson, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the Good Samaritan Society in Canton, South Dakota. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 15, at 11:00 AM, at the Hudson Lutheran Church with Pastor Carolyn Salberg officiating. Private family inurnment will be held prior to the service at Eden Cemetery of Hudson. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Wednesday, August 14, at Porter Funeral Home of Hudson from 5:30-7:00 PM with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM.

 Roy was born Leroy Robert Lingle to George and Winnie (Rozelle) Lingle in Richland, SD on August 25, 1935. He was the youngest of seven siblings. In 1938, Roy and his three older sisters were placed with the Division of Social Services (foster care). He was moved into three different facilities, each temporary, before being placed with the Children’s Home Society in Sioux Falls, SD. Roy lived at the Children's Home Society for four years, until he was adopted in 1942 by Sidney and Hildegard (Krienke) Rollings of Hudson, SD.

 Roy was baptized at Hudson Lutheran Church with Oscar and Ruby Larson serving as his sponsors. He received his elementary and secondary education at Hudson Public School. While in high school, Roy participated in track, baseball, basketball, and football. During his senior year of high school, Roy joined the Army National Guard completing basic training and then being stationed at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, MN. Roy served six years with the Army National Guard earning the title of carbine force expert and the rank of Sargeant. During his teen years Roy worked with his father on the family farm and with the corn shelling business. Roy enjoyed fishing and swimming at the local water holes and river with his many friends. In May 1954 Roy graduated from Hudson High School.

 In the fall of 1954, Roy began dating Lois Jean Miller, who quickly became his love. Roy and Jeannie were married on November 5, 1955, at Hudson Lutheran Church. Together they had celebrated 68 years of a beautiful marriage.

 Roy and Jeannie raised their three children, Sidney, Kathy Jo, and Becky on the family farm near Hudson. Roy farmed the land given to him by his father and shelled corn until 1976 when he sold the farm machinery. Roy then went to work for a year at Mobile Oil in Hudson, before getting a job at Kooima Manufacturing in Rock Valley, IA. Roy worked in the factory for 35 years, retiring in 2012 at the age of 77.

 Roy’s mother Hildegard assisted him to reunite with all six of his biological siblings. Roy was able to continue his family visits through the remainder of his life.

 Roy’s Christian faith was important to him. This could be witnessed through his love for his family, friends, and church. He lived his life as an example to others and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Roy passed on his love for fishing and the Green Bay Packers to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed his annual family vacation trips to Log Haven Resort on Lake Lida, Pelican Rapids, MN. It was there Roy and Jeannie spent countless hours being bonus parents to their three children's friends. Many “bonus kids” learned how to water ski behind Roy’s boat. Roy also enjoyed many fishing trips with Orville Sorlie and Earl Clary. Traveling to different regions in the United States was one of Roy and Jeannie’s favorite things to do. They especially enjoyed visits to Washington, DC and New York City.

 Roy is survived by his wife, Lois Jean of Hudson; son, Sidney (Amber) Rollings of Sioux Falls, SD; daughters, Kathy Jo (Bill) Serck and Rebecca (Duane) VanNoort of Hudson; daughter-in-law, Tina Herrbolt of Alcester, SD; Daughters-in-Heart, Carol De Jong of Sioux Center, IA, Juli (Dave) Van Engen, of Alcester, SD and Cathy Miller, of Hudson; one sister, Winnie Montagne of Albany, MN; nine grandchildren: Jackie Serck, Kayla Rollings, Jon (Amanda) Serck, Sarah Rollings, Amanda (Josh) Lewis, Samantha VanNoort, Robert (Chelsea) Rollings, Gabe VanNoort, and Isaac (Amber) VanNoort; eleven great grandchildren: Kread, Torry, Trekin, Jayco, Aaron, Jayden, Ayvah, Ryker, Amelia, Walker, and Evelyn; along with many nieces and nephews.

 Roy was preceded in death by his parents, George & Winnie Lingle and Sidney & Hildegard Rollings; brothers, Ellsworth “Al” Lingle, George Lingle, and Ernest “Red” Lingle; and sisters, Doretta Brown and Lucille “Rose” Slowey.