Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Robert De Lee Rolen Jr., known to all as Bob, passed away peacefully at his home on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2024, in The Dalles, Oregon. He was supported by his loving family during the last days of his life, departing us just after his 97th birthday.
Bob was born Oct. 31, 1927, in Parks, Nebraska, to Robert and Vera Rolen, but has been a resident of The Dalles for the last 70 years. He worked alongside his family in farm and field as a youth. As young as 16, Bob worked as a welder in the shipyards of Swan Island and lived in Vanport while attending high school in Portland. Bob Served in the US Army in Ft. Lewis, Washington. After an honorable discharge, he continued his life of hard labor up and down the Columbia River and beyond. He met his dear wife, Zada, in the fall of 1948 while working at Hanford site near Richland, Washington, and they married June 26, 1949. Bob enjoyed the outdoors when hunting, fishing, clamming, or rockhounding. He was a member of Life in Christ Assembly of God church.
Bob is survived by three children (and spouses) Robert IV (Margaret), Susan Pincock (Jack), and Cynthia Gardipee (David); 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Bob was proceeded in death by both his wife Zada and her eight siblings, his parents and brother Gene. The brothers married sisters, and all remained close throughout their work and play lives. He was so ready to rejoin them all.
Bob wrote his memoirs at age 95, which tells a rich history that spans field cropping to monolithic dam pours in his trade of carpentry. It tells of childhood to fatherhood and on to sharing his passion for his hobbies. He was a flint knapper of precision and gathered the obsidian with his kids and grandkids. His lapidary skills impressed his peers and found him continued friendships. Bob will be missed.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, with internment to follow at IOOF Three Mile Cemetery.
To plant a tree in memory of Robert Rolen, Jr. as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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