Charles Dale “Chummy” Rolando, 83, dies
Charles Dale “Chummy” Rolando, 83, passed into the Lord’s hands on Friday, March 7, 2014 at Legacy House in Ocala, FL, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles was born October 22, 1930 in Ely, MN the son of James and Ellen (Toutloff) Rolando. He grew up on Shagawa Lake and graduated from Ely Memorial High School. He was an outstanding high school athlete participating in football and track but excelled in basketball and American Legion Baseball.
On August 30, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart Charlene Edith Pregl. After living in Minneapolis for a short time the young couple moved to Babbitt, MN in 1952 where Charles began his career with Reserve Mining Company. In 1955 they moved to Silver Bay and completed his career in 1986 after Reserve Mining Company closed its doors.
After a brief 3-year retirement Charles was contacted in 1989 to play an instrumental role in helping Cyprus Minerals Company successfully re-start the then idle Reserve Mining Company property. The knowledge he acquired during his long career in operations and management were an invaluable asset to the new owners. In 1994 he retired for good and enjoyed winters in Florida and summers in Silver Bay.
Charles loved all sports. He coached Little League baseball and basketball. He was determined to attend all the activities of his three children including track meets, cross-country meets and hockey games.
Charles was a proud member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. He liked to reminisce about the times spent with his grandmother on Shagawa Lake.
Charles is survived by his loving wife Charlene; son Randy (Jennifer) Rolando of Jacksonville, FL; daughter Claudia Rolando (Jeff Buchman) of Minneapolis; and son Robert (Terry) Rolando of The Woodlands, TX. Five grandchildren: Tyler (Kristi) Thompson of Silver Bay, Trenton (Kristie) Thompson of Silver Bay, Alisha Glenzinski of Shakopee, MN, Robby Rolando of The Woodlands, TX, Natalie Rolando of The Woodlands, TX and seven great-grandchildren: Derek, Danika, Dain, Anna, Avry, Brooke and Brody; Charles is also survived by brother James Rolando of International Falls and sister Mary Ellen Gotchnik of Ely. He was preceded in death by brother Ronald “Pete” Rolando of Hoyt Lakes. Plans for a memorial service in Minnesota are pending.
