Obituaries
Peter Evan Roller
February 07, 1940 - July 29, 2022
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Obituary For Peter Evan Roller
Monona - Peter Evan Roller, 82, passed on July 29, 2022. He was born February 7, 1940, and raised by Mollie and Paul Roller in Wheaton IL. Growing up, Pete was an active Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, and All-State football player at Wheaton Central High School. He earned a full-ride scholarship to Baylor University in 1958, and then transferred to DePauw University in Greencastle IN where he pledged Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Pete graduated from North Central College, Naperville, IL and later earned a master’s degree in history from Northern IL University. His love of history and education included teaching at Lake Park High School, Glen Ellyn Junior High, and Hayward High School. He was passionate about education and championing the rights of his fellow educators. His union leadership and organizing led him to a career with SWEA in South Dakota, and WEAC from which he retired in 2003. A blind date in high school with Susan Moulds led to their marriage on August 26, 1961. Pete and Sue proudly raised two daughters, Amy Roller and Sarah Roller Groth in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Pete was an entertainer. As a musician, he played the electric bass in many bands, most notably the Post Grads, TSR, and Lucy Creek. His fellow bandmates became lifelong friends that date back more than 60 years. He was a popular story-teller in the reenactment camping community and his love for Native American history was well known even before he published three historical fiction novels, The Crook'd Staff, An Adventure of Ireland and America; The Legacy of the Crook'd Staff, An Irish-American Family's Discovery; and The Crook'd Staff, Today and Tomorrow. Pete was preceded in death by Mollie and Paul Roller (parents), Pamela Kolar (sister), and Warren Moulds (brother-in-law). He is survived by his wife Susan Roller, daughters Amy Roller (Michael) and Sarah Roller Groth (Dan), grandsons Owen and Wyatt Groth, and his in-law Moulds family: Bill Moulds (Sharon), JoAnn Moulds, John Moulds, and his nieces and nephew. Pete requested no religious services and in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his honor to the Patriotic Brass “Circle of Life” Scholarship in care of Gregg Lundberg 16410 W. Ridgerock Rd., Hayward, WI 54843, or the Oglala Lakota College www.olc.edu. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257
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Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
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Condolences
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February 07, 2023
It was always great when Pete stopped at the shop, or when we rented the rehearsal space. I learned so much from conversations that went every where!! It was always a pleasure playing music with you, but more important: to be your friend. You will be sorely missed. God Speed my friend-look forward to our paths crossing again.
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August 19, 2022
Hello Sue and girls, I was so surprised and saddened when I read the obituary in my local Hayward paper. My memories of Pete go way back to time with him in the Spotted Pony Society, Naperville, IL where my family and friends learned about Native Indian traditions and spirituality. Pete modeled a quiet profound respect for all of nature and people of history. He was a wonderful teacher. I am grateful to have known him in my youth. Peace and comfort in you loss. Terri Lundeen, Hayward WI.
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August 19, 2022
Life was so much fun with Pete. Our Spotted Pony Society days were the best. I'll never forget my initiation into the society, our dance practices, pow-wows and rendezvous. Take care Sue, Amy and Sarah and kids. Joe Kuhn White Hawk
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August 10, 2022
I first met Pete at HHS in 1971. He was a fine colleague, mentor and union leader. I was always amazed by his creativity in the classroom, his ability to rile the administration, and his unique ability to take power naps. Pete was a renaissance man. RIP Pete. Tom and Sue Kuziej Meridian Idaho
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August 09, 2022
Dear Sue and family. I have thought about you often since you left the Eau Claire area. Think of you on those drives on Hwy 12 past your old place. Was saddened when I saw the obit in the paper. Heading up to Grand Portage tomorrow for the rendezvous. You may be sure that there will be some toasts will be made in his honor. Jim Lindberg
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August 08, 2022
Dear Sue, Amy, Sara and family. We have so many happy memories of adventures and time spent with your family. The laughter, music and historical reenactments are times we hold dear. Remembering Red Plum, hugs to all. Thom and Sherry
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August 07, 2022
If it wasn't for "Mr. R" The Patriotic Brass most likely would not have existed as such, for which I am grateful. Sue and Pete would graciously let us practice in their home and were great hosts. Mr. Pete Roller will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.
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August 07, 2022
He was my favorite teacher at Hayward High School. He made my Junior and Senior years the best.
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August 06, 2022
One of my favorite teachers at HHS. He told a great story about having a wooden leg, and would slap a yardstick on his shin to prove it. "Hear that? That's the sound of a wooden leg." Other times, it was a simple lesson on how to throw away trash. Instead of crumpling up a piece of paper, he asked us to fold it. The voice of reason! RIP Mr. Roller.
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August 06, 2022
I played in TSR with Pete for 5 years. He was a great bass player and entertainer and a nice guy. I have many great memories of that time. He will be missed.
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August 06, 2022
I will never forget this man and his enthusiasm for teaching. Pete touched my life for the better and was a shining example to me in high school of how well a positive attitude towards life can carry you. You have my truly heartfelt condolences Sue, Amy (dear classmate), and Sarah. Here's to Pete and all the lives he spread his love to. God bless each of you and yours.
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August 05, 2022
Truly one of my favorite and most influential teachers. Fun and inspirational... RIP Mr. Roller! Mary Jo (HHS class of '82)
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August 05, 2022
Sarah, Amy and Sue. Hoping that memories heal your hearts. He was an educator, mentor and a friend. May he Rest In Peace.
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August 03, 2022
My condolences to you Sue, Amy, and Sarah. Your dad and I had many years playing together in TSR. And we'd spend hours driving together in the van all across Midwest from gig to gig. I will always enjoy my fond memories of Pete. Rest in peace my friend...
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August 02, 2022
Dear Roller Family, Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your Husband and Dad. Our friendship with Amy allows us a window into the wonderful Mom and Dad who raised her! We are so sorry for your loss, and hope your memories will forever warm your heart. Love, Susie and Joe Fucci
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