Roland Earle

Although he accomplished so many things of which to be proud of, Roland Earle was a humble man whose greatest treasure was found in the love he shared with his beloved family and friends. He had an incredibly admirable work ethic that when coupled with his fierce determination to do everything to the best of his ability provided those who knew him with much to aspire for. His years of dedication allowed him to touch the lives of many.

In the year 1932, America found itself in trouble as the Great Depression pushed toward new heights, and one of every four individuals was unemployed. It was a hard and challenging time, though in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Charley Earle, a carpenter, and his wife, Gladys (Harrington), a homemaker, maintained positive spirits by focusing on a special blessing in their lives with the birth of their son, Roland, on April 6, 1932. Roland was the second oldest of nine children in his family, and grew up in Parchment with his siblings: Charles Jr., Kenneth, David, James, Joyce and Harry; he had two siblings, Edward and Janet, who passed away as infants.

In 1941, his family moved to Martin, Michigan, where Roland attended the area schools through the 10th grade. It was in the 10th grade that life changing things happened to Roland – he officially began dating his sweetheart, Betty, who he met in the 3rd grade and knew already then he wanted to marry her. Also, after completing the 10th grade, Roland left school to follow the patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served overseas in Korea, and faithfully sent letters home to his family and Betty. While on furlough, Roland returned home and married the love of his life, Betty, in the Martin Reformed Church on April 4, 1953. After saying “I do,” the newlyweds made their home in Florida, where Roland was stationed at the time, but were able to move back to Martin later that year. It was here, near their families, that Roland and Betty were happy to raise their two children: Susan and Dan. They lived on a small hobby farm, where they had horses, sheep, chicken, rabbits and pigs. Although Roland wasn’t a big dog lover, his kids had a few running around the farm.

Roland received his honorable discharge from the military in 1958, and was also the proud recipient of his GED. One thing that Roland was never short of was a strong work ethic. With a “git er done” attitude, he always focused on doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand. A true family man, Roland faithfully provided for his loved ones, working for the feed mill and driving trucks for several local companies, including Balkema, Inc. He also worked with his father as a carpenter, learning the trade from the best. Roland put his woodworking talents to good use building a covered wagon that he rode in local parades. Though with his talents and skills, Roland could build anything and fix anything and you can bet it was to perfection!

After retiring from Balkema, Roland and Betty enjoyed traveling, taking trips out west and wintering in sunny Florida for several years. Roland was also an avid hunter and took annual trips out west and up north to hunt for deer, antelope and elk; Betty liked to tag along when he hunted for elk. At home, Roland enjoyed being laidback and relaxed, just tinkering around the house, keeping everything neat and tidy. A big western fan, he enjoyed music by Johnny Cash and Hank Snow, and watching western movies on TV – his favorites were anything starring John Wayne. Of all the great things in his life, time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren towered above the rest. They were the ones that he shared his life with, and the ones that brought him immeasurable pride and joy.

Although Roland will be dearly missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Roland Earle, age 82, of Martin, MI passed away on Monday, August 18, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center. Roland was born April 6, 1932, to Charley & Gladys. Roland’s family includes his wife of 61 years, Betty; his daughter: Susan Henningson and fiancé, Randy Buist; daughter-in-law, Annette; grandchildren: Melissa (Brian) Straub, Monica (Joe) DeHaan, Mindi (Shawn) Prenatt; great grandchildren: Caleb, Noah, Zachary, Peyton, Elijah, Kendall; step great grandchildren: Brody and Natalie Glaser; siblings: Kenneth (Shirley) Earle, Joyce Newell; sister-in-laws, Heather, Yvonne, Ruth Earle; several nieces and nephews and many special friends who walked by his side. Roland was preceded in death by his son, Dan; son-in-law, Phil Henningson, and his siblings: Charles Jr., James, Harry, David, Edward and Janet. Please visit Roland’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Martin Area Veterans; P.O. Box 191 Martin, MI 49070.