John Edward Roles

A celebration of life for John “Bear” Roles, 63, of Cottonwood, will take place on Monday, June 3, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota.

John Edward “Bear” Roles was born on September 13, 1960 to Eugene and Bernice (Eischens) Roles in Clarkfield. He grew up on a farm outside of St. Leo attending Catholic school in St. Leo until transferring to Minneota. He graduated from Minneota High School in the spring of 1978.

Upon graduation John continued to work on the family farm with his father. He worked various jobs until he began driving truck for Gregoire Trucking. He was married to Pamela Differding, together the couple have three children; Jeremy, Sarah, and Kristen. They raised their children on the family farm outside of St. Leo.

Bear had many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid outdoorsman who liked to hunt and fish. He enjoyed playing softball and was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and New York Yankees. He had an impressive baseball card collection and often could be found listening to Ozzy Osbourne. Bear loved to ride his Harley and took many bike trips during his life. His children and grandchildren were the most important things in his life. Whether Bear knew you or not he would greet you with a smile and a laugh, he was truly one of a kind.

Bear passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence in Cottonwood.

He is survived by his daughters Sarah (Keith) Dobbelaere, Kristen (Zak Robben) Roles; grandchildren Emma, Ethan, Evan Dobbelaere; siblings Lawrence (Rita) Roles, Marilyn (Dennis) Rasche, Alice (Tom) VanOverbeke, Lambert Roles, Donna (Terry) Schreiber, Annette Roles, Rosemary (Rick) Peterson; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Bear is preceded in death by his son Jeremy Roles; his parents Eugene and Bernice Roles; his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Ride free and fly high.