Rev. Roland Golz

The Rev. Roland “Rollie” M. Golz, 91, met his Lord and Savior on April 11, 2023, under the care of ProMedica Hospice and staff at The Waterford at Colby, where he most recently lived. Rollie was born October 4, 1931, in Racine, to the late Paul and Martha Golz. Rollie was a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School and Concordia Teachers College, both in River Forest, Ill. After graduating in 1954, he accepted his first teaching position at Trinity Lutheran School in Athens. This is where he met the love of his life, Violet “Vi” Hoge. The two were married June 2, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.Theirs was a solid marriage based on shared faith and values that were always guided by the Lord’s word.

During the early years of their marriage, Rollie held several teaching positions at parochial schools in New Albany, Ind., Wausau and Stevens Point. By attending summer classes while teaching, Rollie advanced his passion by earning his master’s degree in teaching in 1967. With a little extra encouragement from a friend, he then decided to go back to school to become a pastor. He attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., where he received his Colloquy degree in 1973. His Ordination was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stevens Point that year. Rev. Golz was first assigned to serve St. Peters Lutheran Church in Dorchester, where he served until 1981. Next they moved to Bonduel to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1993 the couple retired and settled in nearby Gresham. The Lord had other plans for them though, as Rev. Golz would come out of retirement to simultaneously serve a cluster of congregations at St. John Lutheran Church, Hermansfort, St. John, Belle Plaine and Immanuel Mohican Lutheran, Red Springs. He and Vi then moved back to Dorchester in 2017 to be closer to family.

Over the years, Rev. Golz and Vi were both very involved in LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League). They both held positions for the North Wisconsin District of LWML; he as counselor and she as vice president. He also held several positions for the North Wisconsin District, LCMS, including treasurer of the teacher conference, member of the district recruitment committee, and various convention committees. Rev. Golz wore many hats over the years of life; that of teacher, principal, music director, athletic director, youth advisor, Bible class director and Sunday School director. Rev. Golz was also a member of the Lions organization in Gresham. Rollie and Vi reverently served the Lord together and found togetherness in their shared love of gardening, caring for their yard together, taking walks together, and even enjoyed the simple tasks of washing and drying dishes together. They were both wonderful cheerleaders for their grandchildren, enjoying many of their school events and extracurricular activities. Rollie very much enjoyed a good Green Bay Packer or Milwaukee Brewer game. He and Vi loved animals and almost always had a pet or three around the house.

Rev. Golz is survived by children: Rick (Carolyn) Golz, Dorchester and Randy (Renee) Golz of Little Chute; grandchildren: Neilana Golz (Logan), Leanna Golz (Jordan), Taylor (Sara) Golz, Tanner Golz, Tallon Golz, Marina Modell and James (Brianna) Modell; great-grandchildren: Paisley and Brynlee; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He is further survived by sisters-in-law: LaVerne Golz, Luann Thurs and Jeanne Card.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Violet (Hoge) Golz, who passed on February 5, 2023; brothers: Guilbert Golz, Lester Golz and Alfred Golz; and sisters: Evelyn Klyzub and Elanor Schoeffler.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwalenberg presiding. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place in Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Waterford at Colby, Aspirus Hospice, ProMedica Hospice Care, Affinity, Beyond Home Care, and very special friend, Rose Jankee, for all the kindness and care they gave.

Memorials will be given in Roland’s name to multiple charities which he was fond of.

Paid obituary 135151