Robert B. Rollins (1924-2000)

ROLLINS

Posted By: Patrick Turner (email)
Date: 2/12/2003 at 10:01:15

Thursday, May 16, 2000

Shelby

In Memory: Robert B. Rollins

Robert B. Rollins, 76, of Milbank, South Dakota, a former Council Bluffs resident, died May 9 at St. Bernard's Providence Hospital in Milbank.

He was born March 10, 1924, in David City, Nebraska, to Benjamin and Blanche (Porter) Rollins. He attended school in Council Bluffs.

He served in the U.S. Army as a cannoneer during World War II in the northern Solomon Islands and the southern Philippines. He received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Soldiers Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Service Star and received the Medal of Valor at Bouganville for exceptional bravery in freeing a gunner from flaming plane wreckage.

He farmed near Shelby until 1950 and worked as a meat cutter for Armour Co. in Omaha. He retired in 1973 because of illness. He lived in Roberts County, South Dakota, from 1985 until 1997, when he moved to Milbank. He was a former member of the Christian Church in Council Bluffs and was a member of Gertje Van Lith American Legion Post No. 229 in Big Stone City, South Dakota. He was the Lockwood Township weed control officer from 1990 to 1997.

Mr. Rollins was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred (Hoeppner), in 1970. He and his second wife, Barbara (Anderson), were married January 4, 1971, in Council Bluffs.

Survivors in addition to his wife include four daughters, Cheryl Hughes and husband, Walter, Deanne Brotherton and Robin Gilmore, all of Council Bluffs, and Peggy Wise of Daytona Beach, Florida; four sons, Jerry Rollins and wife, Marge, Lee Rollins and wife, Vicki, and Patrick Miner, all of Council Bluffs, and Victor Rollins and wife, Connie, of Wichita, Kansas; a sister, Arthella Martin, of Council Bluffs; a brother, Charles, of Kent, Washington; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The body was cremated. Emanuel-Patterson Funeral Home in Milbank was in charge of arrangements.

The family met with friends and relatives at the home of Lee Rollins in Council Bluffs Friday evening.