Rolland had gotten severely ill in 1993. He was rushed into St. Anthony's Hospital in Rockford, IL by ambulance. He had coded, on the way there. With high blood sugar, he faced a challenge ahead of himself.

He was in a fight for his life. He was rushed into emergency surgery. The doctors had found an infection on Rolland's side. They had to remove it immediately. It left him with a 32 inch wound on his right side. They had to go 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep.

Rolland was put into the ICU. He was hooked to life support machines, and family was called. It was an emotional time for everyone. Yet, Rolland pulled through. He fought, though, it was a long road to recovery.

Rolland had to learn how to write, talk, and walk all over again. He worked hard to prove the doctor's wrong. The doctor's told him he would never walk again, talk again, and may have speech problems. After sometime, he was able to not only write and talk but walk as well. After this, he walked with the use of a cane.

He still wasn't done, he faced more challenges. Another bout of Gangrene would later claim his left leg from the knee down. Another challenge, but Rolland still kept going. Nothing stopped him, but due to neuropathy he ended up in a wheelchair. He could walk very short distances, but was not able to walk long distances.

No matter what he faced, he held his head high. He faced every challenge, overcame every obstacle, and did not allow what happened to him physically change the person he was.  

Rolland was always great with his pets. From birds, to dogs he had a special spot of each of his pets. Though none stood out more than 3 of his favorites.

First one, was a minature pincher named Pockets he got from his brother Rodney. The dog was spirited, and loved to jump right into his arms when he would come home late from work.

His next one was a weiner dog by the name of Sabastian. Due to his red coloring he seemed more brown than red. He was dubbed, brown dog. This began his love of the Dachshunds. Rarely would you see him, without his faithful companion. Regardless of which dog was with him.

And last but certainly not least was Charlie. This dog would follow him everywhere. As a faithful companion until he passed away. After his passing, Charlie would run outside in search of his owner, whimpering when he did not see him return. They were as close as best friends could be. 

Born May 13, 1958, in Duluth, Minn., to Kaye (Miller) and Charles Slagle. He attended Belvidere High School, graduating in 1977. On Dec. 17, 1979, he married Teresa (Terry) Crass of Tomahawk, Wis. He lived in Duluth, Minn., and LaFarge, Wis., before settling in Belvidere, where he was employed at Chrysler Corp, Warner Electric, Elgiloy Specialty Metals and was a certified CNA.

Rolland will be especially remembered for his kindness to others, enthusiasm for life, and forgiveness to all. He had an extraordinary amount of perseverance and strength to overcome his physical challenges to the amazement of his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and meeting and talking to new people.

His favorite quote: "A friend is a hello away."

He had 3 Children, and 5 grandchildren. His heart was always full of life, and did things his own way. He would always help a friend, or family without a thought. At times, even if there was troubles, he would be there as the voice of reason explaining how everything happened for a reason.

He was an avid player of farmville, mafia wars, and viking clans. He also kept up with his own channel on youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/bearcreek1212.

He could look at any old photo and explain who was who, where it was taken, and explain how important it was to take as many pictures as possible. He was a light all his own. There will never be anyone like him. A positive influence, a great father, and best grandfather. We will all miss him.