Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Richard Michael Rolbiecki
Richard Michael Rolbiecki
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Rolbiecki Obituary
Richard Rolbiecki, 82, of Rochester, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at Saint Marys Hospital after a brief illness due to complications of diabetes, with his loving family at his side.
Richard was born July 14, 1935, in Winona, to Casimir and Frances Rolbiecki. He was the oldest of five and was raised in Winona. He was a graduate of Cotter High School.
He married Joan Klundby, and together they started a family, and throughout the years they had six children. Richard enjoyed having the opportunity to socialize during his careers as a Pepsi-Cola and Taystee Bread route salesman. After retirement, he enjoyed his final career working at Cub Foods. He had a passion for baseball and was signed to the minor league of the St. Louis Cardinals, until a shoulder injury ended that career option. He also served in the Army National Guard.
He loved to drive and took road trips with Joan, throughout the U.S., to visit their children as they moved throughout their lives. He was an avid card player, and was known as the "Champion" of Cribbage, or as some said, "The Cribbage King."
He is survived by his wife, Joan; his sister, Martha (Richard) Drussell of Winona; and his children, Catherine Hicks, of Phoenix, Jodi Snyder, of Tulsa, Okla., Kimberly Rolbiecki, of Rochester, Steven Rolbiecki, of Rochester, and Susan (Nathan) Nelson, of Rochester.
He was known as the World's Greatest Grampa to 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He also fulfilled the fatherly role for many of his grandchildren. Richard will always be remembered for his kind heart, his high fives, and huge love of family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his son, Robert Rolbiecki; and his brothers, Donald (Carol) of Winona, Thomas (LaVonne) of Lindstrom, Minn., and David (Janice), of Eagan.
His twinkling eyes and welcoming smile will be forever missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Maisa
January 30, 2018
My sympathies to the family. I had the pleasure of knowing Richard, he was always full of life and stories!
Jennifer Johnson
January 28, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the Rolbiecki family. I will forever remember my nickname- Crash given to me by Richard. RIP Richard you will be missed by so many !
Linda Eisterhold
January 28, 2018
My sincere sympathies to you and your family, Steve. May you find comfort in the arms of your family and friends at this difficult time.
Julie Craig
January 27, 2018
My deepest sympathy to your entire family. Your dad was such a great man. May he rest in peace ❤
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Rolbiecki's name
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Rolbiecki's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
