The funeral service for Roland Dobberstein, 90, of Balaton, will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 22, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Balaton. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow the service at Lakeside Cemetery in Balaton.
Roland Eugene Dobberstein was born on February 28, 1932, in Wahpeton, ND, to Roy and Rhoda (Cummings) Dobberstein. He grew up in New Effington, SD. After graduation, Roland attended the Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD. He taught in country schools while obtaining his degree. Roland served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1956. After his honorable discharge, he was united in marriage to Caroline Laun on March 9, 1958. Roland later obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in May of 1960. He then obtained his Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from South Dakota State University in 1964. He taught in Clark, SD, and Appleton, MN, before moving to Balaton in 1968 where he was the Elementary Principal until his retirement in 1995. Roland had a passion for education and helping children. He never lost his love of the profession and even took a few jobs as Principal at Milroy, Lake Benton and Lynd after his retirement. Roland also had a passion for his community. He lived his philosophy of service above self. He was active with the Balaton American Legion, Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Association and served as Mayor. Roland was involved in the Balaton Lion’s Club, and served on the Balaton City Council. He was the first recipient of Balaton’s Citizen of the Year. Roland also enjoyed sports and activities. He enjoyed bowling, throwing horse shoes, playing cards and dancing. He was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather with a great sense of humor.
After dealing with memory decline for several years, Roland died unexpectedly and peacefully on Friday, March 18, 2022, at his residence in Balaton. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, of Balaton, daughter Julie (and Greg) Erickson of Balaton, son Wesley of Balaton, daughter Ronda (and Curt) Martin of Homer, AK; grandchildren Erin Erickson, Lindsay (and Alex) Ourada, Shane (and Lexi) Erickson and Cody Martin; great-grandchildren Mayumi, Elijah, Max, Emersyn, Maverick, Eden, Hattie and Leo, sister Lois Ruediger of Breckenridge, MN, brother-in-law Jerald Laun and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Myron and Lee.
Roland would like to be remember for this quote:
“A hundred years from now, it will not matters what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
