Service Details
A celebration of Rollie’s life will take place at Faithbridge United Methodist Church – Franksville Campus on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 am and conclude with Military Honors.
There will be a time to meet with the family before the service from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.
A private interment took place at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials have been suggested to Faithbridge United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club of West Racine.
MOUNT PLEASANT – Roland “Rollie” Krahn, 93, passed away at his residence on Thursday, October 19, 2023. He was born in Kenosha on August 29, 1930, the son of the late William Herman and Olive (nee Krueger) Krahn. He graduated from Burlington High School, class of 1948. After graduation, he attended Milwaukee State Teachers College, graduating in 1952, and later earning his master’s degree. Before starting his career in education, Rollie proudly served his nation with the US Army, 3rd Infantry Division, during the Korean War from 1952-54. On December 17, 1955, he married the love of his life, Betty Jane Dehring at Evangelical United Brethren Church. In their 63 years of marriage, they were blessed with two children, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Together they enjoyed attending and supporting all their events and sports activities. After retirement, Rollie and Betty spent 18 wonderful winters at the Villages in Florida. Betty preceded Rollie in death on his birthday, August 29, 2018.
Rollie was an exceptional athlete, excelling in basketball and baseball at Burlington High School. He also played American Legion baseball for Burlington. A talented left-handed pitcher, Rollie had a one-day tryout with the Chicago Cubs in 1948. He was honored with induction into the Burlington Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013. After serving in Korea, Rollie began teaching 6th grade at Howell School. He went on to teach at Mitchell Elementary School and would later serve as principal for Caddy Vista, Goodland, and Knapp Elementary Schools before retiring in 1987. His legacy as an advocate for his teachers and students as well as his humor and commitment to his community will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. About his teaching career, he was known for joking, “I never amounted to much…I never made it out of the 6th grade.” After retiring, Rollie made socializing a priority. His days were filled with playing golf and tennis, square dancing, playing cards and telling his legendary jokes. Among the things Rollie loved in life, his Peanut M&M’s and chocolate peanut clusters were always a favorite.
In 2017, The Racine Journal Times published “Thursdays with Rollie drawing to a close,” a story about his retirement after 30 years as the starter at Johnson Park Golf Course where his kindness and sense of humor brightened people’s days. With 30 years as a school principal, 30 years refereeing basketball and 30 years as the starter at Johnson Park, Rollie was the original 30-30-30 man. In 2019, Rollie was blessed to experience the Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. with his son Scott. He called it one of the highlights of his life. Rollie was a longtime member of Faithbridge United Methodist Church – Franksville Campus (formerly E.U.M.), as well as a 39-year member of Kiwanis Club of West Racine.
He is survived by his children, Linda (Reed) Giordana, of Kaukauna, WI, and Scott (Sharon Thelen) Krahn, of Lannon, WI; three adored grandchildren, Jenna Giordana, Jordan (Nikki) Giordana, and Aaron Krahn; three cherished great-grandchildren, Jace Davis, Trey and Ayla Giordana; his sister-in-law, Dee Issacson, of Racine; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a great many dear friends. In addition to his parents and his wife, Rollie was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Paul Isaacson.
His family would like to express their gratitude to the amazing caregivers at Primrose Retirement Community for the love and care he received there in his later years.
A celebration of Rollie’s life will take place at Faithbridge United Methodist Church – Franksville Campus on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 am and conclude with Military Honors. There will be a time to meet with the family before the service from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. A private interment took place at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorials have been suggested to Faithbridge United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club of West Racine.
Peter J Hannes III says
I had the privilege to meet Rollie when I joined the Kiwanis Club of West Racine. Every time I would see him, whether it was at the raffle or out in public, he would always have a joke for me. Not all of them were good but would still tell me a joke nonetheless. He was a great man and will be truly missed!
Glenn Schultz says
I have known Rollie in a variety of settings for over 40 years. First as a college student and student teacher when he was an elementary principal. Later when I became a sports official, and finally as a golfer. He was always entertaining, enthusiastic, and professional. The epitome of a life well lived! Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Rich Chiapete says
I count myself among the thousands of lucky students whose life has been immeasurably impacted by Rollie. Rollie was my principal at Goodland School in the ‘70’s.
Rollie understood the importance of ‘community’…he lived a few short blocks away from the school…he treated teachers, parents, and students alike as part of his ‘Goodland family’. He really cared. He led by example…with a group of incredible educators that included Linda King, Sue Braun, Walt Fowler, Barb Kutis, Mary Rath, and Steve Miley.
His commitment to his students didn’t end as we moved on. He and I stayed in touch for the rest of his life. Throughout the years, he often contacted me to offer words of support and encouragement…to let me know he was proud of me…to crack horrible jokes…to invite me as his guest at Kiwanis or Primrose or whatever community event he may have been involved with at the time.
Thank you, my friend! And…kudos to a life truly well lived.
Rich Chiapete
Goodland School Class of ’77
Mary Manley says
Rollie was a special man and dear friend. As a former Primrose employee he and Betty were always there to support me and the community. We continued our serious conversations, sports discussions & his jokes til the end.
Scott & Linda and family, You made him proud and loved. I hope knowing he is reunited with Betty will make you smile.
Sincerest sympathy.
Rhonda Dickman says
I was privileged to have Mr. Krahn as my principal at Goodland in the late 70’s. He was a fair and kind man. I will never forget him giving out stickers. He was a special person. I had the opportunity to visit him last year at Primrose. He told me several jokes in the few minutes I spent with him. I am sad that he is gone, but proud to have known him. My condolences to his children and grandchildren.
Juanita Gardner Ford says
I was a 6 grade student under Mr Krahn. Good and kind teacher, Rest In Paradise
Tommy Ruffalo says
Rest in peace,Mr Krahn…..I always liked ya.
Mike Glasheen says
I enjoyed weekly doubles tennis matches with Rollie and Betty many years ago. Condolences to the family. He was a class person.
Patricia LaBucki (Juras) says
I loved Mr. Krahn as my 6th grade teacher at Mitchell – he was the best! As a young teacher he rented out a room with my grandmother (Helena Nielsen) so I got to know him first when I was about 6 years old.
Katheine C. Olle says
Rollie and Betty Krahn were a wonderful couple, I enjoyed many card games with them both until Betty passed. I will miss you Rollie, rest in peace my friend.
John P Andersen says
I had the honor of having Mr Krahn (to me he will always be Mr Krahn) as my 6th grade teacher at Howell school in 1954 & 55. He had recently returned from Korea and related stories to us from his time there, only 23 years old. This was the very first class he ever taught. He was my all time favorite teacher, never saw him again after 1955 but surely never forgot him.
Linda D. (Ager) Anders says
I had the joy of being his student in the ’58/’59 6th grade class at Howell. His kindness and equality to all his students was always present. Amazing teacher!
Scott Stonecipher says
Rollie was my favorite guy to work with. I looked forward to hearing his latest jokes and well wishes every day. I never met a friendlier person in my life. I am heartbroken to hear of Rollies passing. He is sorely missed.
Judy Sewell says
Rollie was a good friend, listener made a person smile on the worst day. He alway took time for the youth . His love of family was none like I have ever seen when his who family would gather he made it known. Days before so proud of all exceptionally his children I miss him daily
Dennis McGoldrick says
Always a classy guy. That’s how I will remember him.