Edwin A. Roland, Sr., passed into eternal glory to join his wife, Lila, and their Lord Jesus on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at the age of 91.

Edwin was born in Ogdensburg, WI, on February 12, 1921, to Adam and Olga (Tesch) Roland. He became a child of God through baptism on March 13th of that same year. He was an active church member all his life, serving as leader as well as choir member. He was a strong man of faith and an example to his family. He was a member at Grace Lutheran Church (Oshkosh, WI), Calvary Lutheran Church (Thiensville, WI) and St. Mark Lutheran Church (Leesburg, FL).

In his early years, he attended Oshkosh public schools as well as Grace Lutheran School. He later graduated from Oshkosh Business School and attended U-W Madison.

Ed served proudly in the U.S. military as a member of the 68th Armored Infantry Battalion in World War II. He fought in central Europe during the Battle of the Bulge, and was a liberator. After returning home, he was a member (over 65 years) of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Also, he was an active member of the Last Man's Club.

After serving his country, Ed met the love of his life, Lila, at a wedding. They were married on May 27, 1949, after Lila accepted a diamond in the middle of a box of Valentine's Day chocolates.

Edwin began his working career at the Peoples Brewing Company of Oshkosh. Later, he found a job with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin, which led to moving the family to Cedarburg. He was a faithful employee over 35 years.

After retiring, Ed and Lila wintered each year in Florida where they made many neighborhood and church friends. They also traveled the world, but always commented on the fact that they lived in the greatest country on earth. Edwin's greatest love was his wife and family. You always saw Lila and him in the front row of their children's events.

Ed's other interests included singing solos and fishing. He loved baseball, and he once ran for the mayor of Cedarburg.

Edwin was an only child. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Lila. He is survived by his children: Linda Dearth, Susan (Kurt) Lueneburg, Carol (Kevin) Kleinert and Edwin, Jr. (Lora); honorary daughter and AFS student, Susan DeKok; grandchildren: Rebecca Jensen (Steve Brussell), Andrew (Ashley) Dearth, Angela (Andrew) Parrish, Ellen (John) Raasch, Abbey (Jared) Fink, Hilary, William & Isabella Kleinert, Julia, Adam & Alyssa Roland; great-grandchildren: Hailey & Alex Jensen, and Annabelle & Tessa Parrish.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 913 Nebraska St., Oshkosh, with Rev. Gregory Pope officiating. Friends will be received at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh. Condolences may be expressed at www.seefeldfuneral.com.