Roland Roe

Roland Harvey Roe

August 17, 1931 ~ June 20, 2017

On June 20, 2017, my earthly journey of life ended. It began 17 August 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. I was blessed with the most wonderful parents one could hope for, Roland Roe and Elsa V. Claussenius. I went to North Park Academy High School, where I met the love of my life, Greta Ann Pedersen. We married in 1954 and we had 63 wonderful years together. With love and devotion bestowed on me far beyond what I could have hoped for.

Out of this union came by daughter, Laura Ann Roe and my son, Jeffrey Allen Roe. I am very proud of the people they have become. I have been blessed with a son-in-law, Craig Layne Walbridge, who has been incredibly kind and supportive to my wife and me. I also have two wonderful grandchildren, Maddy and Alan and one great-grandchild, Harper.

After graduating from the Academy, I attended Illinois Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Metallurgical Engineering and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant through the Air Force R.O.T.C. Program in college. Being an adventurous soul, I chose a career in the Air Force over a more sedate life as a Metallurgical Engineer.  My 30 years in the Air Force was a wonderful world-wide adventure from which I have no regrets.

To my family,

The following poem (author unknown) sums up my thoughts:

“Miss me, but let me go.

When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room why cry for a soul set free.

Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared, miss me but let me go.

For this journey that we all must take and each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.”

To my wonderful wife,

I leave you with these final thoughts, which I hope will comfort you:

“Don’t cry at my “viewing” ‘cause I won’t be there

I’ll be in the breeze that rustles your hair.

I’ll be in the sunshine, I’ll be in the snow;

I’ll be in the places we used to go.

I’ll be in your laughter and in funny things.

I’ll be in your shadow, and there in your dreams.

I’ll be in your greeting but not your goodbyes

I’ll be in the reflection of your loving eyes.

I’ll always be with you and I’ll always care.

So don’t cry at my graveside, ‘cause I won’t be there.”

Friends may visit with family on Monday, June 26, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Please join the family in military honors at precisely 6 p.m. before visiting with family.