Rolland Karlin joined his wife in Heaven on Thursday, November 28, at the age of 95. He was born thirty minutes after his twin brother Aldon in Beulah, North Dakota on August 8, 1924, to George and Rosina Karlin. He was one of ten children, 9 boys, and one girl. He graduated from Mercer County schools in 1942.
On June 2, 1943 Rolland enlisted in the United States Navy at Fort Snelling to serve during World War II. Rolland completed his naval training at Farragut, Idaho and was shipped to Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Yorktown. During his tour of duty in the Pacific Theater he piloted landing craft for amphibious landings and served on the USS ARB 24429 aircraft rescue craft (crash boat). He was discharged on December 2, 1945 at the rank of Motor Machinist Mate, 3rd Class.
Rolland married Lorraine Weigum on July 28, 1945 in Long Beach, California. After leaving the Navy, they moved to Montana where he worked for the Northern Pacific and later the Burlington Northern Railroad until he retired in 1983.
After retiring they spent many years traveling to Arizona to spend their winters. They lovingly referred to their friends at Safari Park in Casa Grande as their Safari family. They truly loved their winter time in the warmth of the Arizona sun but always returned to their home in Montana in the spring.
Throughout his life, he derived real joy from sharing 63 beautiful years with Lorraine, much of which was spent square dancing. If he wasn’t spending time with his family, he was volunteering as a scout master, baseball umpire, or helping build youth baseball fields. Fishing with friends and family, spending time in the outdoors, playing cards, and telling stories to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to his face.
Rolland was preceded in death by his father George Karlin, mother Rosina (Wiesinberger) Karlin, sister Martha Biegler, Brothers Henry, Floyd, Reuben, Paul, Raymond, Andrew, and Aldon, granddaughter Stacey, great-granddaughter Tala, and his soulmate Lorraine (Weigum).
He is survived by his daughter Judy and her husband Larry Biere, son Ronald and his wife Arlene, son Rolland and his wife Lianna, grandchildren Steven, Michelle (Matt Slyder), Heather (Cody Koch), Kelsi (Eric Wilson), Adam (Eastin), and Daniel (Erin), great-grandchildren Terry, Kimberly, Bridger, Mataya, Dalton, Cynara, Abbigail, Karlin, Natalie, Paisley, Mason, Tucker, Taylor, Makswell, and Kaija along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We will never forget all of the expressions of sorrow from friends and family.
In his own words for saying farewell, we love you, we miss you, and bye for now.
A Celebration of Rolland’s Life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2019 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Memorials in Rolland’s name are suggested to the Montana Wounded Warriors, 100 Cooperative Way, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Rolland.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Sunday December 15, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Sunday December 15, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 16, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Sunday December 15, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Sunday December 15, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 16, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Sharol Olerich says
I will miss you so much! My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone in the family.
Calvin Christensen says
I never knew this honorable man but I know and enjoy the beautiful integrity and inspiration that God gave Big Timber, through his wonderful Son, Rolland Karlin. What a great teacher and inspiration. I look forward to meeting this honorable man in heaven.
William renney says
Rolland hired me to work on the railroad. I always had great respect for him. He had a great sense of humor. He was a great boss.
Joe Molenda says
I worked with Rolland “Curly” on the railroad signal Dept mostly in Helena. He was a good supervisor and was usually always happy and laughing. He was a good man and he loved his family. May God bless him and his loved ones!