Birger A. “Birgy” Rolstad
Friday, October 2, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, December 12, 2011
Age:
86 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday December 15, 2011
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday December 16, 2011
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Friday December 16, 2011
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery
Friday, October 2, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, December 12, 2011
Age:
86 years old
Friday, October 2, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, December 12, 2011
Age:
86 years old
Birger A. “Birgy” Rolstad
Birgy Rolstad passed away peacefully, with his wife of 64 years by his side, on Monday, December 12, 2011 at his home. He was 86 years of age.
The funeral for Birgy Rolstad will be at 11:00AM on Friday, December 16, 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Church, with Pastor Norman Wahl officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Birgy was a lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church.
Birgy was born October 2, 1925 in Rochester to Birger and Mary Rolstad. He attended Rochester High School until enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943. In 1945 following his time in the US Navy, he returned to Rochester. On September 20, 1947, Birgy married Iva Marie Liudahl at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, MN. Birgy and Iva shared the same birthday, October 2, 1925 which made it an even more special day for them.
Birgy began his printing career at Whiting’s Press upon returning from the service. In 1963, he started Custom Printing in Rochester and was co-owner until his retirement in 1986.
Survivors include his loving wife, Iva, his son Steve (Rebecca) Rolstad, his daughter, Renee Balloy, and grandchildren Angie and Erik Balloy, all of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Leitzen, and two brothers, Fred and Robert Rolstad.
More than anything, Birgy loved his family and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them, both at home and the family cabin in Wisconsin. He was gifted in wood-carving, loved fishing, craft shows, the MN Vikings and MN Wild hockey and loved talking and laughing with family and friends. He especially enjoyed visitors coming to see him as he became home-bound. Birgy was a gentle, easy to please man who was a joy to be around. His big contagious smile made others around him smile and will certainly be missed.
Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church or Season’s Hospice in Rochester.
Condolences
The family of Birger A. “Birgy” Rolstad has received the following condolences.
Iva, Steve, Renee,
my heart goes out to you on the your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
May God bless you all and Give you the strenght to endure.
Sarah Raymond
Iva & Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss and that i was not able to attend your celebration of a great man. Birgy will always have a place in my heart, and be a part of my favorite memories growing up during summers at the cabin. Hopefully he and Grandpa Jo are sitting somewhere out on a dock catching crappies to their hearts content. My family and i send our prayers and wish you well during these difficult times.
Chuck, Christine, Ruby & Walton Joswiak
Steve, Rebecca, and family,
You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
~ Jackie and Jason (and Zoey)
Steve,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing when I talked to Dad yesterday. May all the good memories of Birgy provide comfort to you and your family during this time.
Gods' blessings,
Jennifer (Newton) Boysen and Family
Iva and family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bob and Donna Koester
Iva and family.
I have many fond memories of the Rolstads and Birgy was one of my favorites. I know Mom and Dad always talked a lot about Birgy and Iva when i was growing up. I cannot be with you as i am in Minneapolis at a continuing education class. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Charles Springer
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed talking to Birgy, he was such a thoughtful and caring person.
Dan Blaisdell
Iva & family - I am so sorry to hear about Birgy. I will always remember Birgy with a smile on his face & that beautiful white hair! Iva, when we worked at 1st National Bank, Birgy would pick you up for lunch every Friday & you would go to Michael's for lunch...and a couple of drinks! :) You 2 had a wonderful relationship! Birgy was so proud of his kids & grandkids - his eyes would just light up every time he talked about one of them. Birgy was a wonderful man & will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Iva and Family,
With sympathy we send our prayers. As you do know, we are in Texas and will be unable to attend
Birgy's funeral, but our thoughts are and will be with you.
NaRita and Gary
Steve,
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father. May you find peace in the many memories of your lives together. Class of '66