Roland “Rollie” H. Doroff, 81, Sauk Rapids

August 9, 1933 - April 5, 2015

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Rollie Doroff who passed away unexpectedly Easter Sunday morning at his home in Sauk Rapids. Rev. Ralph Zimmerman will officiate with burial following in the parish cemetery. Friends and relatives may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and 1 hour prior to services Friday at the church in Sauk Rapids. Sacred Heart Parish prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home in Sauk Rapids.

Rollie was born in St. Cloud to Peter S. & Frances M. (Spychala) Doroff. Having grown up in Waite Park, he attended Tech High School and later Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis. Rollie married Winnie Theisen on August 21, 1954 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. His life’s work began in 1953 when he started working at the Sauk Rapids Herald and later purchased the newspaper in 1970.

Rollie is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids, Sauk Rapids Lions Club, Minnesota Newspaper Association, St. Cloud Printers Association, Sauk Rapids Sportsman’s Club and the Big Lake Sportsman’s Club.

A kind, patient, loyal and gentle man, Rollie loved nature and one of his favorite things to do was to take a walk in the woods. He was a gentle soul who loved wildlife and the family’s collection of pets. A great educator to many, he enjoyed teaching his children, grandchildren and employees many things having to do with the newspaper/printing business and life in general. He saw the good in everything, always being positive in life.

A dedicated family man, Rollie enjoyed over 60 years of marriage with the love of his life, Winnie and was a selfless supporter to his children and grandchildren. Together the family enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, going to the cabin, many drives in the country, celebrating Christmas in Verndale and taking family trips.

Having such a passion for the newspaper business, Rollie loved sharing his work with his family. Whether it was proofreading copy, setting type, doing print jobs, bindery work or printing the newspaper, it was memorable for everyone. Rollie was a wonderful cook, a grill master and loved growing tomatoes. He was also an accomplished whistler and all-around handyman.

Survivors include his wife, Winnie of Sauk Rapids; children, Gary of Verndale, Stephen of Sauk Rapids, Lynne (John) Sernett of Prior Lake, Karen (Jim) Johnson of Shakopee; grandchildren, Cory (Tim) Denny, Jacqueline (Shane Finck) Doroff, Sarah Doroff, Emily Doroff, Grace Johnson, Lindsey Johnson, Jack (Alyssa) Sernett and Hannah Sernett. Also surviving are a sister in law, Valeria “Gary” Doroff of Waite Park, brother in law, Lee Laidoner of Elkton, Oregon and many nieces and nephews.

Rollie was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers, Rosemarie Catterlin, Peter, Iris Laidoner, Richard, and infant siblings, Wallace and Rita.