John Roland

JOHN B. ROLAND Johnny B. Roland, 68, of Atlantic, passed on peacefully, following aÂvaliant battle with cancer, on Saturday evening, January 22, 2011, at the Cass County Hospice Center in Atlantic, Iowa. John Bradford was born the son of Burdette and Martha (Linstrum) Roland, March 26, 1942, in Atlantic, Iowa. He grew up attending school in Atlantic and Wentworth Military Academy and graduated with the Atlantic High School Class of 1960. He earned Psychology and Sociology DegreesÂfrom Tarkio College in Tarkio, MO ; participated in post-graduate courses at Northwest Missouri State College in Marysville, MO; and studied Frank Lloyd Wright ArchitectureÂat Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. He served in the Iowa National Guard,Âwith active duty in Ft.ÂCarson, COÂand was honorably discharged in 1971. John battled a mental illness and was grateful to be stabilized to enjoy his final years living independently. John worked in sales at Tiffany's Jewelry Store in New York City, NY; spent many years studying in the area of cancer cures; and had deep interest in radio programming. Following a time of residing at Willow Heights, he became a recreation volunteer there. His hobbies and interests included reading, study of the scriptures, and regular visits to the public library. He was a member of Our Father's House Church in Atlantic. Johnny B. will be remembered as charmingly friendly and was known for his gift of cheer, hallmarked by his frequent gifts of roses to friends in the community. He was, in his own words, "a very private man" but he enjoyed his family and friendships thoroughly; and was gifted with a delightful sense of humor. In his final weeks, he called upon his family to spend time sharing love and laughter that will leave an indelible mark of joy. His survivors include his brother, Warren and wife, Amy Jo Roland of Atlantic and their six children: Heidi Hinman and husband, Larry of Atlantic and their children, Dani and Landon of Carroll, Iowa and Delaney and Roland of Atlantic; James Roland and wife, Heidi and family, Sophia, Maria, Peter and William of Storm Lake, IA; Burdette J.L. Roland and wife,Jessica and sons, Matthew & Henry of St. Louis, MO; Buffy Barrs and husband, Ian and children, Fiona and Hugh of Atlantic; Spencer Roland and wife, Annie of Atlantic; and Jo Beth Lee and husband, John of Atlantic; and many cousins; and numerous treasured friends. John was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers, Jim and Keith Roland; grandparents; and aunts, uncles and cousins.Funeral InformationFuneral services will be held Friday, January 28, 10:30 A.M., in the Roland Funeral Home with his nephew, Burdette J.L. "B.J." Roland of St. Louis, MO, officiating. It will include highlights from a private family service with a message by his nephew, Pastor James W. Roland of Hope Evangelical Free Church in Storm Lake, IA, prior to Jim's departing to present at a pastoral conference in India. Interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery followed by a luncheon.There will be open visitation from 8 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., Monday through Thursday and family will meet with friends from 6:30-8:00 P.M., Thursday evening at the funeral home. IN REMEMBRANCE OFJOHN "JOHNNY B." ROLANDBorn March 26, 1942 Atlantic, IowaENTERED INTO RESTSaturday, January 22, 2011At the age of 68 years, 9 months and 26 daysFUNERAL SERVICEFriday, January 28, 2011 at Ten-thirty A.M.Roland Funeral Home Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATING Burdette J.L. "BJ&" Roland St. Louis, MissouriPastor James W. Roland Storm Lake, IowaMUSICAL SELECTIONSPerformed by Nieces & Nephews"Heirlooms&" "Repentance&" "Something Beautiful&" "Go Ye Now In Peace" CASKET BEARERSBurdette J.L. Roland Spencer L. Roland Larry B. HinmanIan S. Barrs John M. Lee Peter J. Roland Clint Roland Warren B. RolandHONORARY BEARERS James W. Roland Charles Griffin Dick LundIN CHARGE OF FLOWERSFriends ~ Employees of Willow Heights Partnership for ProgressINTERMENT Atlantic Cemetery Atlantic, IowaLUNCHEONJohn's family invites friends to join them for lunch at the funeral home following the committal service.