Rolly lived his entire life in Belleville. He married the love of his life, Ruth, on Valentine’s Day February 14, 1959. Together they raised five children. Rolly had a passion for horses. He raised horses throughout his life. His greatest pride was the thoroughbred race horses that he raised and raced at Fairmont Park, a passion he shared with his sister and mother. Rolly was a machinist at Century Brass Works for 38 years when he retired in 2002. He was a member of the Cathedral Class of 1955 and still enjoyed the gatherings with his classmates. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed his clubhouse, and liked to go to the casinos. His favorite place was his family farm that he proudly lived on most of his life.
Roland was preceded in death by his father, Roland M. Isselhard, DDS; his mother, Elvira, nee Winter, Isselhard; a sister, Joyce Kluge; a nephew, Roland Kluge; and two granddaughters, Courtney Isselhard and Elizabeth Pickerel.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Ruth, nee Rohr, Isselhard, whom he married on February 14, 1959;
five children, Linda (Jim) Walker of New Athens, IL, Mark Isselhard of Swansea, IL, David Isselhard of Swansea, IL, Laura (Keith) Pickerel of Swansea, IL, and R. Scott Isselhard of Swansea, IL;
nine grandchildren, Nicole and Kylie Walker, Megan Isselhard, Danielle Vahlkamp, Devin Isselhard, Ryan Pickerel, Melissa Miller, Brandi Rariden, and Dylan Isselhard;
several great-grandchildren, and more on the way;
his brother-in-law and best friend, Bill Kluge;
a special cousin, Tom Reis;
and a niece, Kathleen Kluge.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Deacon Gerald Bach officiating
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.