Geraldine "Gerry" Isabelle Roll

Gerry Roll of Rush City passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Birchwood Health Care Center in Forest Lake at the age of 91.

Geraldine IsabelleBarnes was born on August 7, 1931 to Clarence and Anna (Toussaint) Barnes in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Gerry was the first one in her family who was born in a hospital.  She was the ninth of ten children who grew up in north Minneapolis.  When she was about nine years old the family moved to Columbia Heights.  She attended schools in north Minneapolis and Columbia Heights until she was 16.  She then went to work at S & L Department Store.  A year later she went to work at Salisbury Bedding.  There she met Al Just.  They were engaged when he was killed in a car accident just five weeks before their wedding.

It was two years later when Gerry met Bernie Roll at work, and they were married at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights.  In 1956, their first child was stillborn.  They went on to have 2 more children: Catherine and Leonard.

In a letter entitled “My Life” she wrote: “I think I had the best and most loving childhood anyone could have.  There was love, care, trust, happiness, laughter and just plain fun.”

School days: “I might be the only person you know that failed kindergarten because I was so sick.  It took 2 years to do it.  I never had recess or played in the school yard because I had to stay in the nurse’s office for a nap.  I was only 40 lbs. and in and out of the hospital.  I got every cold, rash, chicken pox; you name it, I had it.  Lots of ear problems too.”

“In school I did  O.K.; my high marks were C’s.  But I really had to work for it, it didn’t come easy.  I was always asking questions, not too smart, spent a lot of time in the school office.  I loved art and music.”

Jobs: “I did a lot of babysitting, salesperson for S & L store (house dresses and aprons), Salisbury Bedding (making bed springs), Crestview nursing home; tray girl; then was the activity director.  I went to the U of M for 1 year, part-time, for this job and I loved it.  At Foley Manufacturing  I worked in food service, worked at O-Ring Company, RC Company, RC Foods Bakery and Nelson (demo person).  I retired from Plastech in 1992.”

“No matter what you say, I had a wonderful, happy life.  I give thanks to God and thanks to my family, friends and relatives for their love, concern, support and care.”  I don’t think I could’ve made it without them.”

“Thanks to everyone who came into my life.  Especially mom and dad for the loving upbringing!  When I think  about my life, I’m so grateful I found Jesus; and for my first Sunday School teacher, Pastor Willer, who also confirmed me in May, 1943 at St. Matthew’s.”

“And, thanks also to my many church family members.  All my senior friends.  God Bless and keep you all.”

Gerry is survived by her children Cathy (Mike) Stanley of Washington, Utah, Lenny Roll of Rush City; grandchildren Ashley (Pat) McGowan of Mankato, Rachel Stanley of Isanti, Jessica Stanley, Brooke Stanley both of Washington, Utah, Brian (Carissa) Roll of Bloomington, Isaac Roll of Iowa, Ezra Roll of Rush City; great-grandchildren Korie, Henry, Slayde and Tatum; sister Pat Barnes of Cambridge; granddaughter by choice Britney (Cole) Carter and children Callie, Jackson, Vera; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Anna Barnes; husband Bernie Roll; baby daughter; 7 siblings.

Funeral services for Gerry: 11 AM; Friday, August 18, 2023 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned from 5-8 PM; Thursday (8/17) at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and also one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Rush City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel www.FuneralAndCremationService.com