Jerry Rolland

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/gncD__QmtIE 

Jerry Neil Rolland, 78, Grand Forks, ND., passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji, MN, surrounded by his loving family. The cause of death has not been determined.

Jerry was born on January 14, 1948, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the beloved son of E. Luverne and Arlene Bergos Rolland. He was baptized at Augustana Lutheran Church where he also served as altar boy. He grew up in Grand Forks, attending Washington Elementary, Valley Jr High, and Grand Forks Central High School. He graduated in 1966 followed by a year of study at the University of North Dakota.

Jerry became an avid outdoorsman and gardener while managing both Owen’s Floral, Grand Forks and Baseview Floral, Emerado, ND. He also managed Baseview Liquor during that time.

On December 29, 1973, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Merrie Elizabeth Satrom, at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. A belated wedding trip the following August took them to Europe where they spent a month exploring and falling in love with its history and culture.

Upon returning home, they purchased Valley Flowers which he owned and operated for over 20 years, before joining the grocery industry where he managed various departments including floral, until retirement in 2018.

Jerry approached each day with enthusiasm, finding great joy in the little things, including fishing, taking a cruise in his pontoon, grilling the perfect steak, or simply reading a good book. He and Merrie enjoyed ski trips to Big Sky with dear friends and many years of curling together with wonderful friendships made along the way. Their favorite place was at the cabin on Lake Bemidji.

Jerry had a smile that came easily and a way of making everyone around him feel welcome and cared for. He was a natural optimist, always ready to say “yes” to an adventure, lend a helping hand, or simply spend time with the people he loved.

He was a devoted sports fan who loved attending UND hockey and football games, as well as Minnesota Twins and Vikings games. Jerry counted himself incredibly lucky to witness the famous Minneapolis Miracle in person alongside his kids. He was also a miracle himself, having survived stage 4 cancer for five years.

Jerry loved well, served quietly, and made a lasting impact on so many people. He cherished his family and was deeply proud of and close to his children, daughter Kelly Rolland Ask of Detroit Lakes, MN, and son Jason Rolland of Fargo, ND. He warmly welcomed his son-in-law Mathew Ask, and adored his three grandsons, Carter, Kellan and Camden.

Jerry is also survived by a brother, Rick Rolland (Judy), Tucson, AZ; sister, Barbara Morrison, Princeton, NJ; In-laws Donn (Linda) Satrom, Roseville, MN; Carol Christiansen, Grand Forks; Larry Satrom, White Bear Lake, MN; aunt, Marlys Bergos, Morehead, MN; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim and sister-in-law, Susan Rolland, Olympia, WA; brother-in-law, Dale Morrison, Princeton, NJ; parents-in -law, Merle and Dagmar Satrom, Grand Forks, ND; sister-in-law, Denise Satrom, White Bear Lake, MN; and a dear nephew, Kyle Satrom, Roseville, MN.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday, September 21, 2026, at United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, with visitation one hour before the service. Memorials are suggested to United Lutheran Church, Northlands Rescue Mission Grand Forks, or a charity of your choice.