Jean Margaret Rolland, 85, of Fertile, MN, died on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, MN. She was born on October 20, 1926, at her home farm in Woodside Township, rural Fertile, to Martin and Johanna (Monson) Rolland. Jean attended Hillside Rural School District until 8th grad and then Mentor High School, Mentor, MN, graduating in 1944. She later attended Mayville State College, graduating with a bachelor degree in Education in 1963. Jean taught school for 10 years in rural and consolidated schools in North Dakota. She moved to Argyle, MN where she taught for 3 years. When her mother got sick in 1956, Jean moved to Fertile to care for her. In 1959, Jean began teaching 2nd grade in Crookston, MN, and stayed in the school district for the next 28 years. After teaching for 41 years, Jean retired in 1987. While her neighbor kids (Trent and Brittany Oftedahl) grew up, Jean was like a second grandmother and caretaker. She considered her time spent with them a true privilege and, in her words, “an extremely enjoyable experience”. Over the years Jean was a part of several organizations—Crookston Educational Association, Minnesota Educational Association, and Concordia Lutheran church and ladies aid. For many years, Jean was an active member of Hope Evangelical Church, Fertile. Care giving and nurturing describe Jean’s outlook on those around her. She had a jovial spirit and a merry laugh. Loving and helping children gave Jean purpose, joy and a sense of accomplishment throughout all her adult life. Jean loved to read her Bible and determinedly held on to its truth while serving Jesus with her life. Jean is survived by two brothers: Robert “Bob” (Caroline), Fertile; and Rodney (Virginia), Phoenix, AZ; 4 nieces and 1 nephew: Debbie Rolland, Wanda Leiser, Brenda (Matt) Hulst, Karen Rolland, and Robert (Barb) Rolland. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Raymond.

Funeral services will be on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 11 am in the Hope Evangelical Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation will be one hour before the services.

Burial will be in the Maple Lake Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile, MN.

Pastor Dennis Wadsworth, Officiating

Whitney Allrich, Organist

Congregational Hymns “Amazing Grace”

“Nearer My God To Thee”

“How Great Thou Art”

Belinda Fjeld, Soloist

“Jesus Loves Me Medley”

Pallbearers

Tom Oftedahl Trent Oftedahl Stuart Christian Troy Gullekson Robbie Rolland Mitch Lenz