Everett Rollie

Everett Rollie, age 81, of Fargo, ND, died on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo.

A Celebration of life service will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church in Moorhead, MN with Allen Westby officiating. Visitation will start one hour prior to the service.

Everett Bruce Rollie was born on October 3, 1943, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, to Nora Adeline (Julsrud) Rollie and James Hjalmer Rollie. He grew up in the close-knit town of Lawndale, where the seeds of his life of service, creativity, and dedication were planted.

In July 1961, Everett—along with three lifelong Lawndale friends—enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably as a bandsman, rising to the rank of Corporal. His service included time stationed at Twenty-Nine Palms, California, as well as overseas deployments to Okinawa and more than a year in Vietnam. Music and military discipline became lifelong companions forged during this pivotal chapter.

After completing his Marine Corps enlistment, Everett pursued higher education at California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a degree in Sociology. His career path reflected his deep commitment to public service and community betterment. He worked for the Orange County Probation Department, later returning to Minnesota to serve in various impactful roles—notably the Crime Commission Region C of Minnesota, the Northern Pacific Railroad, and the Valley Lake Boys Home, where he played a key role in securing significant grant funding. Later in life he spent his time to painting alongside Wayne and Kip, often asking with a grin, “How are we going to make any profit on that bid?” — a nod to both his industrious spirit and sense of humor.

Regardless of the job, music proved to be Everett’s truest lifelong passion. Upon returning to Minnesota, he enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard’s 188th Army Band, performing trombone in concert and jazz bands as well as training and leading the marching band as a drum major. He also shared his talent through the many spirited performances with the North Dakota American Legion State Band, Dixieland ensembles, and many other musical groups.

Everett’s commitment to mentorship continued at the National Guard’s Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton in Devils Lake, North Dakota, where he taught construction and heavy equipment operations while on active-duty orders, with patience and integrity.

He retired with 25 years of military service on October 3, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and service. His final rank being that of First Sergeant (E-8) with the 188th Army Band—a position that earned him the endearing nickname “Top.”

Throughout his life, Everett was known not only for his talents and contributions, but also for his unwavering support of his family. He found his greatest joy in encouraging his children—following their passions with pride, cheering them on through each journey, and lifting them with the same love and inspiration he gave to all who knew him.

Everett’s life was a beautiful blend of discipline and creativity, strength and compassion. His legacy will live on through the music he made, the people he mentored, and the love he shared so generously.

He is survived by his children:

Jennifer (Rollie) Hagen and her husband Chris HagenBeau Rollie and his wife Susan (Rainey) RollieBrenna (Rollie) Ofstedahl and her husband Mike OfstedahlMegan (Rollie) Cherry and her husband Dave Cherry

He was a proud grandfather to: Aidan Hagen, Ashley Hagen, Fiona Rollie, Chase Rollie, Maryann Rollie, Nora Cherry, and Dayton Cherry.

He is also survived by his brother, Dale Rollie, and wife Cindy Rollie, and his sister, Janet (Rollie) Knepp, wife of the late Bill Knepp.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Nicholas Rollie, and his parents James and Nora.