Rolland James 'Rollie' Ring

Ring, Rolland James "Rollie" 96, died peacefully on the Hospice unit Aug. 11, 2016, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. He was born May 31, 1920, the fourth of four children to Joseph and Selma Ring in Minneapolis. The family was raised in the Swedish Baptist tradition, which he deeply cherished as his faith foundation. He was graduated by South High, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He led the 1936 Tiger football team as quarterback to an all city championship, and was captain of the 1937 football team. Rollie received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Minnesota. During his undergraduate years he was a "Golden Gopher", playing football under coach Bernie Bierman, forever proud to be one of "Bernie's Boys". They were National Champions in 1940 and 1941. He married Nan Louise Barkley July 17, 1943 in Ballard, WA after enlisting in the US Coast Guard. He served as Chief Petty Officer stationed in Everette, WA, Copalis Beach, WA, then overseas in the South Pacific on a small freight and supply ship. Following WWII his entire 38 year career was spent in education. He taught and coached in Hutchinson, MN, then moved to Edina, MN. He spent 1950-1984 working for the Edina School District, as teacher, coach, and primarily Principal of Edina High School. In retirement he wrote a book "Remembering Edina High School 1949-2006". He was profoundly grateful for the tremendous support the community of Edina gave to education. The Advanced Placement Program which he helped to initiate in 1955, continues to be nationally honored for its significance. He was a passionate supporter of Edina athletics and Gopher football. Rollie enjoyed playing bridge, tennis with Hope Church friends, reading suspense novels, M Club, Dunkers, and staying connected to his granddaughters by whom he was affectionately known as Pop-pop. His buoyant mood & resiliency earned him the nickname "Jolly Rollie". He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Nan, parents, brothers, Harvey (Phoebe) and Gordon; sister, Blanche Solsback. Rollie's greatest joy was his family, we were all graced by the love he showed us. He is survived by daughter Susan Ring Harris (fiancé Les Hansen) of Los Angeles, son Roger Ring (Denise) of Rochester, and granddaughters Rachel Ring Fowkes (David) of Johannesburg, South Africa and Leah Ring of Los Angeles. Special thanks to the staff of Presbyterian Homes SummerWood of Chanhassen. Visitation at Washburn-McReavy, W. 50th & Hwy 100 Edina, MN, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 4-7 pm. Funeral service at Hope Church, 7132 Portland S., Thurs, Aug. 18 at 11 am with visitation 1 hour before service. Memorials preferred to South High Foundation, 3131 19th Av S Mpls, MN 55407 (Nan and Rollie Ring Scholarship) or charity of your choice.

Tributes

Rolland James 'Rollie' Ring

August 11, 2016

Tributes

Rolland James 'Rollie' Ring

August 11, 2016

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