Roland “Rollie” Menominee 75, succumbed to the Lord’s calling with his immediate family on careful watch on Sept. 10, 2010 after a courageous battle with double pneumonia. Though the treatment and recovery was undoubtedly painful, he did not complain-instead inquiring how his family and friends were doing. Rollie was a New Years baby born on Jan. 1, 1935 to Eleanor Parmo (Parish) and Walter Menominee on the Bay Mills Indian Reservation.
An All-State designation in basketball at Brimley High School in 1954 for Roland’s ferocious defense and stellar play would be a signature of his dedication to hard work. Roland received scholarship offers in the state of the Hoosiers-Indiana. Though the offers were real and he lettered in football, baseball, track and basketball, he would on a friend’s dare sign up to become a Marine.
While touring foreign countries such as the Philippines, Roland represented the United States in the prestigious unit of Honor Guard for the current Philippine president. He led tours of Marine bases for youngsters interested in becoming any thing they wished to be. He was honorably discharged from the service.
Roland attended Henry Ford Tech and earned a degree, apprenticeship, and an electricians license while working 16’s. The family ended up in Lincoln Park Mi. with a two story house and a pool in a big yard for any friends from the U.P., or relative’s downstate to use anytime. An ad in the Detroit Free Press of a factory looking for workers in Dafter would bring Rollie and friends he let know of this opportunity back home.
Rol lived on the St. Mary’s river in Bay Mills, Michigan. His generosity and desire to make everyone he met comfortable is now legendary. Rollie would truly give you the shirt off his back. Rollie enjoyed hunting, camping, gardening, and his family.
Rollie was preceded in death by his daughters: Suzanne, Doris Mae, and “Too Tall” Rol. Survived by his wife Dorothy Menominee, son, David and Kim Menominee, daughters, Mary and Tom Sauro, Yvonne and Kurt Yacuone, Katie Menominee, grandson, Ryan Yacuone, granddaughter, Raelene Menominee. Mass of Christian Burial was held at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church with Father Ted Brodeur as Celebrant. Burial was held at Mission Hill Cemetery. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
