Roland E. “Rollie” Kinney
1925 – 2011
Roland E. “Rollie” Kinney, 86 of Elgin, NE, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at his home.
Kinney, the son of Walter and Ella (Earl) Kinney, was born May 19, 1925 at Elgin, NE. He attended Park Center School, District 52, through the 10th grade and graduated from Elgin High School with the class of 1942. He was a member of Park Congregational UCC Church for well over 70 years.
On June 28, 1944, Roland was enlisted in the United States Navy. He was assigned to a transport ship, the U.S.S. Sevier, until his honorable discharge on July 21, 1946, when he returned to the Park Center community to farm with his father.
On December 22, 1946, Roland was united in marriage with Phyllis Marie Lawson at the Antelope Creek Church northwest of Elgin, NE. The couple made their home in the Park Center community where they farmed and raised their four children. After retiring, the couple moved to their home in Elgin, NE in 1993.
Roland was pleased that his sons chose to be farmers and have continued to farm the land that his grandfather homesteaded in 1880. He was an avid fisherman and liked playing cards, reading western books and working Sudoku puzzles.
He was a member of the Elgin American Legion Post #229. In his retirement years, he enjoyed gardening and especially liked to start the seeds indoors and then transplant them in his garden. He enjoyed the times when family members came to visit. Because of his illness, he spent much of his time at home. He appreciated so much the visits with his special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ella; an infant daughter Beverly Ann; and a sister Elinor Hunter.
Roland is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 64 years; daughter Lana Bennett and husband Dick of Elwood, NE; three sons: Richard and wife Gwen of Elgin, NE; Michael and wife Karin of Elgin, NE; Thomas and wife Connie of Elgin, NE; nine grandchildren: Josh Kinney and wife Maria of Petersburg, NE; Matt Kinney of Norfolk, NE; ZoBeth Potter and husband Patrick of Smithfield, NE; LeAnne Bennett of Elwood, NE; KaLynne Bennett of Houston, TX; Richie Bennett of Kearney, NE; Alex Kinney of Neligh, NE; Connor and Brett Kinney of Elgin, NE; six great-grandchildren: Faith, Cale, Brooke, Corbin, Emma and Lillianne Kinney; one sister: Dorothy Currie and husband Wayne of Norfolk, NE; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorial services were held Saturday, August 6, 2011 at the Park Congregational United Church of Christ west of Elgin, NE. Rev. Ray Avidano officiated.
Inurnment will take place at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Park Cemetery Association.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com
