Roland W. "Rollie" Goertzen

Roland "Rollie" Goertzen, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 13, 2022 after fighting a strong and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.​

Rollie grew up in Maplewood, MN where he met some lifelong friends. He graduated from Kellogg High School in Roseville, MN in 1976. In 1981 he received his B.S. degree from Mankato State University and worked in sales for Top Temporary and Cherrydale Farms. In 1997 he decided to make a career change to become a teacher and coach. This career change meant going back to school to receive his Master’s degree in education from St. Cloud State University.​

In 1997 he started his career with the Centennial School District; first as a paraprofessional. Upon completion of his Master’s degree, he became a special education teacher at Centennial High School. He retired in June of 2020. Rollie thoroughly enjoyed his years at Centennial working with students and wonderful colleagues. He was also an avid supporter of Centennial sports and could be seen at various sporting events.​

The sport Rollie was most passionate about was baseball. His love for baseball started when he was a young child and continued to grow throughout his adult life as he played for his high school varsity team and the Mankato State University baseball team. He began his baseball coaching career in 1997 and retired in 2019. He coached at various levels throughout his career from Little League to High School Varsity and American Legion Post #566. He enjoyed dedicating his time to working with the baseball and Centennial community and made a lasting impression on many coaches, athletes, and community members.​

As much as Rollie loved sports, there was no comparison in the amount of love he had for his family. Rollie is survived by his amazing wife, Bev of 38 years, who he met while in college at Mankato State. He is also survived by his three children, Matthew, Amy (Josh) Osen, and Chad along with two grandsons, Nolan and Nixon Osen; siblings, Wendell, Mark (Michelle), and Jane Kirchoff; many cousins; four nieces; one nephew; and four great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Richard and Wilma Goertzen, and his sister, Perri Goertzen.​

Rollie will be dearly missed by all who knew him! Rest in Peace in Jesus’ loving arms.​

Memorial service 11 AM Monday, November 21 at NORTH HEIGHTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2701 N. Rice St., Roseville.  Visitation Sunday 2-6 PM at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-LINO LAKES, 7050 Lake Dr (Co Hwy 23) and at the church on Monday from 10-11 AM.