Roland “Rollie” Spychalla passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville.

All visitations and services will take place at the church.

Rosary will be prayed at 3:45 PM on Friday, December 16, 2022, with visitation following until 7:00 PM when a prayer service will start.

Visitation will continue the day of the service one hour prior.  Burial with military honor will immediately follow Mass at the church cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

 Roland Ambrose was born on September 2, 1933, the son of Stanley and Angeline (Zigan) Spychalla of Hartford Township. Roland, who is known to many as Rollie, attended school in Browerville. After graduating from High School, Rollie joined the United States Navy, serving his country from 1952 to 1956. He worked as a supply clerk on the destroyer the USS Fletcher. He took pride in knowing he had been around the world twice. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he moved home and attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis in their car repair program. Car repair did not end up being his passion in life. He worked on the family farm. From 1960 to 1967 he was employed in Browerville at Land O’ Lakes.  On June 15, 1959, Rollie married Barbara Wyrowski at the St. James Catholic Church in Randall. The couple made their home in Browerville, eventually purchasing a farm in 1961, where they raised their two daughters, Cheryl and Colleen. In addition to farming, Rollie worked for Starry Construction which became Central Specialties, for 32 years until he retired in 2000. Rollie was an active member of the Christ the King Catholic Church, as a lay communion distributor. He also was a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus organization and was a founding father of the Todd Trail Association. Having served his country, Rollie joined the local VFW 8391, even serving as the quartermaster, and was also a member of the American Legion 293. 

 When Rollie was not busy working, he enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, going for a ride on the snowmobile, camping, playing bingo,  and watching the Minnesota Vikings. When he was fifteen years old he started deer hunting, spending many years in the Cook County area. He hunted bear, moose, and of course deer, enjoying every minute he could out in nature. He loved his family most of all, spending time with Barb and the girls brought him great joy, especially when he got the new name of Grandpa! He took a liking to his new role, sharing memories, stories, and hobbies with the next generations. He was a  husband, Dad, Grandpa, great-grandpa, and friends to many and will be deeply missed.

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, under the care of hospice, Rollie took his last breath, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his own home. He was joined in heaven by his parents, Stanley and Angeline; grandson, Bradley Schettler; siblings, Bernice  Brichacek, Stanley Spychalla, Jr., Valarian “Bud” Spychalla, Duane Spychalla; godchildren, Kevin  Brichacek, and Kathy Parteka. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Barb; children, Cheryl (Terry) Pflipsen and Colleen (Tim) Schettler; Grandchildren, Tom (Megan) Slater, Sammi (Willie) Kruse, Matthew (Emily)  Schettler, Adam Pflipsen, Nathen Pflipsen; great-grandchildren, Elliot, Wyatt, Lily, and Leo; siblings, Rosetta (Victor) Lemke, Adrian (Diane) Spychalla and Marietta (Bill) Boysen; sister-in-laws, Laurie Spyhalla and Billie Spychalla.

The family would especially like to thank the Lakewood Hospice staff for their care and compassion.