Rev. Rolland Livingstone Ferch

Ferch, The Rev. Rolland L. MADISON - The Reverend Rolland Livingstone Ferch, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2007, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on Dec. 15, 1918, in Naperville, Ill., the son of the Rev. Henry and Ella (Nienas) Ferch. Rolland graduated from North Central College, Evangelical Theological Seminary, Naperville, Ill. He started serving a ministry in Plymouth and Walworth, while in the seminary. While serving there, Rolland was united in marriage to Evelyn Rebecca Jackson. He had served a total of 60 years as a minister in the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church, which included 10 pastorates, often serving two parishes simultaneously. During his ministry, Rolland served as pastor in the Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist Churches in Elkmound, Jefferson, Menomonie, Blackhawk, Appleton, Lake Geneva, and in 1970, associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Madison, where he served until retirement. While at First United Methodist, Rolland was responsible for the building program of the new sanctuary and the installation of the pipe organ. In his retirement, he served the United Methodist Church in Belleville, and as chaplain at Meriter and University Hospitals. Rolland also secured a masters degree in gerontology from UW-Madison, at the age of 67. During Rollands pastoral tenure, he served many leadership roles. His service to the community includes membership in the Wisconsin Board of Missions, the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Clubs throughout Wisconsin, the Lions Club of Menomonie, and the Optimist Club of Sauk City. Rolland is survived by his son, Rolland Jackson Ferch and Dr. Chwee Lye Chng, Jacksons partner of 30 years, both of Denton, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Ferch, in 2000; daughter, Suzanne Lee Ferch, in 1969; and son, Stanley Paul Ferch, in 1998; and two brothers, Sheldon "Bud" (Jean) Ferch and Jim Ferch. A memorial service will be held at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2007, with the Rev. Keith Schroerlucke presiding.