Roland O. Collette

Roland O. Collette, age 94 of Oakwood, ND passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at his home with his family by his side.

Roland was born on October 11, 1929 in Oakwood, North Dakota, the son of the late Arthur and Louisa (Campbell) Collette.  He was raised on the family farm and attended St. Aloysius Academy.  After his education, he began farming with his father and brothers.  In 1951, Roland served his country in the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to North Dakota and his love of farming.

On October 14, 1959, Roland united in marriage to Elaine Kliniske.  Roland and Elaine made their home in Oakwood where they raised their four beloved children.  Roland loved to farm and was a proud Walsh County potato farmer.  He loved to go for drives through the country checking the fields and monitoring the crops.

Roland was a lifelong member at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Oakwood.  He served on the church counsel for many years.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 41 and the VFW.   Through the years Roland enjoyed bowling in league, following the J.R.’s softball teams, and watching westerns.  He never missed an opportunity to attend morning coffee with his friends.

Roland will be dearly missed by his wife of 64 years, Elaine; his children: Vonda (Tim) Persson, McPherson, KS, Patti (Barry) Kostyk, Gem Lake, MN, Jay Collette, Arlington, TX, and Carrie (Rick) Garcia, Mansfield, TX; grandchildren: Dusty (Rita) Becker, Brandon (Emily) Becker, Casey Persson, Cody (Patty) Persson, Katelyn (Chance) Tomey, Cameron (Yousra) Garcia, Amanda (Jonathan) Mitchell, and Chris (Jenny) Kostyk; great grandchildren: Landon, Aviana, June, Beau, DeLara, Eva, Grant, and Katya; siblings: Carol (Terry) Gallagher, Joyce (Roman) Lessard, and Frances Schuster; and sister-in-law: Lorna Collette. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Romeo, Juliette Lessard, Agnes Lessard, Margaret Demers, Kenneth, and Maurice B.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Oakwood. Military Rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 41 and the ND National Guard Honor Guard. The family would like to direct memorials to Hospice - Red River Valley and Valley Ambulance of Grafton.

A special thank you to all of the staff and nurses from Hospice – Red River Valley for the exceptional care of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather.