Roger Roland, 87

Roger Roland, 87, of Grinnell, formerly of What Cheer, IA, died on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, after having voted in the 2024 presidential election. He was surrounded by his closest family members until he went to Heaven.

A funeral service washeld 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Interment was in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. A luncheon followed at the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds. Visitation began at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11 at the Smith Funeral Home and Roger’s family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be designated to the Keokuk County Fair and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Roger’s family online at www.smithfh.com. 

Roger Dale Roland was born on November 2, 1937, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Eugene Arthur Roland and Dollie S. (Adams) Roland. He was raised in What Cheer, Iowa, and he graduated from What Cheer High School in 1955. Roger went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Iowa and proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Private.

On May 28, 1961, Roger married Judith Carroll Heldenbrand at the United Methodist Church in What Cheer, beginning a partnership that would flourish for over 6 decades. The couple moved to Grinnell in 1962, where Roger began his accounting career at Blomgren and Briggs CPA. After achieving his CPA designation, Roger founded his own practice, Roger D. Roland CPA. In 1967, he partnered with John Ruchotzke, a collaboration that lasted until 1985 when Ed Dieleman joined, leading to the formation of Roland - Dieleman CPA.

Roger’s deep commitment to his work meant that he never fully retired, embodying his lifelong passion for accounting.

Roger also cultivated a love for farming and horses. In 1967, Roger and Judy bought their first horse, marking the beginning of a cherished family involvement in harness racing. He lived on the family farm west of Grinnell for 50 years, where he shared his passions and values with his loved ones.

Known fondly as “Buster” by his grandchildren, Roger was a natural leader with a love for being in charge. His strong will, unyielding motivation, and love for delegating responsibilities became defining characteristics.

Family meant everything to Roger, and he delighted in holiday family trips, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and imparting wisdom to those around him. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his tenacity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Judy Roland of Grinnell; sons, Royal (Barbara) Roland of Grinnell and Duane (Connie) Roland of Grinnell; grandchildren, Nick Roland (Jessica) of Grinnell, William (Gretchen) Roland of Floris, Tessa (JD) Perrin of Lebanon, Leah (Cole) Tokle of Adair, Ryan Rezabek of Davenport, Janelle Rezabek (Phillip) of Fort Collins, Hope (Ethan) Kirby of Grimes, Faith (Evan) Jones of Grinnell; great grandchildren Ethan Roland, Delanie, Jackson and Virgil Roland, Charlotte and Evelyn Perrin, Macy and soon-to-be baby Tokle; and his siblings, Gene (Juanita) Roland of Waterloo. He was preceded in death by his parents; Eugene and Dollie (Adams) Roland.