Rollie Dennis Holstein, 80, of New Ulm, passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2020, due to complications from Diabetes. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 11th, at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home, So. Chapel, in New Ulm.
Rollie was born August 8, 1939 to Frank and Frances (Averill) Holstein in Tracy Minnesota. He grew up on a farm south of Tracy and was baptized and confirmed at Tracy United Methodist Church. Rollie attended Tracy schools where he was active in football and basketball. He participated in 4-H and also, at a young age, developed an interest in anything mechanical and motor-driven. He enjoyed roller skating at Valhalla, water skiing on Lake Shetek, and eventually driving fast cars, a love he never lost. After chores on the farm, he and his brother Frank, along with some of the neighbor boys, could often be seen shooting hoops in the barn.
He was united in marriage to Connie Raske in 1960, and to this union 3 children were born. They were later divorced. Rollie farmed with his father for a few years and then began a career in manufacturing, and over the next 35 years, worked at Owatonna Tool Co., 3-M, Sanborn Manufacturing, and finally Midwest Electric in Mankato, retiring in 2001.
On February 2nd, 1978, Rollie married Diane (Breu) Bushee and to this union, one son was born. Rollie loved his family, Fords, Harley Davidson motorcycles, a good discussion on current events and politics, a good cup of coffee, the Minnesota Vikings, and his acreage outside of New Ulm.
Rollie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Diane; daughter, Leah (Peter) Bailey, Plymouth; Sons, Steven (Liz) Holstein, New Ulm, Brian Holstein, Montgomery, Jeff (Tasha) Holstein, New Ulm, Brian (Nancy) Bushee, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Eric Bushee of Mound; 7 grandchildren; a brother, Frank (Alicia) Holstein, Papillion, Nebraska; sister, Marlys (Gordy) Edwards, Tracy; brothers-in-law, Richard (Kathy) Breu of Pharr, Texas, and Bob (Chrissy) Breu of Faribault; nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and in-laws, Leonard and Nippy Breu.
Blessed be the memory of Rollie Holstein.