Roland (Rollie) LaVerne Krenz, age 87, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 22, 2011, after a courageous fight with many illnesses that he had battled most of his lifetime. Rollie was born on September 18, 1924 in Verona, to Alvin and Irene (Bell) Krenz.

Rollie proudly served in the Army where he was shipped overseas to North Africa in 1943. His unit was one of the units which landed on the beachhead at Anzio, Italy. On May 18, 1944 Rollie was severely wounded by shell fragments. These wounds caused a lifetime of hospital stays and surgeries. Rollie was awarded the good conduct badge, the Purple Heart and Mediterranean Theater ribbons. He was also awarded the Combat Infantryman's badge. Servicemen/women will tell people the "badge" only comes the hard way.

Rollie and Alma Patterson were united in marriage on October 21, 1945 at the First United Church of Christ, Sauk City. Rollie worked for Oscar Mayer Foods for over 34 years. Rollie was an avid sportsman, golfer, and bowler. Many of his children and grandchildren followed in his footsteps. Rollie shot a turkey in 2010. He loved going north and spending time at his cottages.



Rollie is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Alma (Birdie); his children, Richard (Suzanne), Darlene Johnson (Gary), James, Cynthia Klongland (Randy), Robert (Rhonda) and Scott; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Darrell Krenz (Marchita); and half-sister Patricia Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Alma; two brothers, Harvey and Gilbert; a sister, Karen Ohrberg; and a step-brother, Eugene Fuhrmann.


A memorial service will be held at the FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Sauk City, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, with Pastor Bill Kapp officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.


His children played a great role in the last years of his life to make him more comfortable. A special thanks to Jim, for taking Rollie on all the special "backroads" trips and becoming the driving force in being his caretaker; Dick, for the everyday phone calls and supporting Rollie in decision-making; Cindy, for always making sure Birdie was cared for so Rollie did not have to worry; Bob, for always making Rollie laugh with the "Bob" stories; Darlene, for driving Rollie to dialysis and making sure he always looked "spiffy", and to Rhonda, his special daughter-in-law, who kept track of and helped Rollie with his healthcare. A special thanks to the staff at St. Clare's Dialysis Center in Baraboo, and to Emily and the staff at Home Health United Hospice.


"Dad lived life like he played golf....he took the club all the way back, took a big swing, and always followed through". Have a good game Dad, you are no longer in pain.