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.