Donald Louis Rolling

ARKDALE/MADISON-Donald Louis Rolling, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, from complications of pancreatic cancer at the age of 75. Don was born in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 19, 1939, the son of Louis and Monica (Eisenman) Rolling, and was the oldest of nine children. He grew up in Wausau, graduating from Newman Catholic High School in 1957. It was at high school where Don met the love of his life, Marlene LeMere. They were married July 9, 1960, at St. James Parish in Wausau and enjoyed 55 years of marriage. In 1964, after operating a Phillips 66 Station in Marshfield, Don and his wife moved their family to Madison and operated a Phillips 66 Station on the corner of Williamson and Brearly, and later at the corner of Atwood Ave and Dennett Drive. Don's Towing Service, Inc. started with the purchase of his first tow truck in 1969, which he and his wife operated for 36 years. Don was quite instrumental in the design and building of his equipment, including the color of his fleet. While red was the color of his first trucks, as his fleet grew he decided to change the fleet color to green....this was one of the times all of his children agreed..."WHY that color?" In a very philosophical tone, he explained, "Everyone has a red truck. Nobody remembers a name but they sure will the color!", and that they did. Don worked with many police municipalities on the local, county and state levels. He was most proud of the numerous local neighborhood auto service businesses and fleet operations he serviced over the years, and their loyalty to him. Don was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Parish and The Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of Wisconsin Towing Association, serving two terms as chairperson and was very proud to have received the George Lanser Memorial Award in 2004. He served one term as President of The Friends of Towing and three terms as Trustee of The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992. Don sponsored many softball and bowling leagues over the years and was very generous in supporting several nonprofit and charitable organizations. He retired in 2005 and relocated to Arkdale, Wis., where he served as President of the Arkdale Lake Association. His retired years were filled with traveling, fishing, playing cards and entertaining his grandchildren on the pontoon boat. One of Don's greatest passions was his devotion to his faith and felt blessed to have a grandson studying in Rome to become a priest. He was very proud of all of his children and grandchildren in their many accomplishments. Don's devotion to his wife, Marlene of 55 years, was immeasurable. They worked side by side with their business and raised a family of eight children, which gave them 28 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with more in "tow!" Don is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; children, Nora Lea (Mark) Hoesly, Scott (Becky), Kevin (Dawn), Doug (Beatriz), Tom (Kathy), Pam (David) Showers, Dan (Kristin), andTerri (Darand) Borneman; his mother, Monica Rolling; grandchildren, Renee Scovill, Megan (Nic) Scovill, Brenda (Todd) Bradt, Matt Scovill, Marty Hoesly, Adam, Kelsey (Joe), Baylee and Scott Jr. Rolling, Kayla (Chris) Cornish, Joshua Rolling, Jordan (Arnold) Wood, Jacob Rolling, Dawson Baudhuin, Christopher (Kayde) Rolling, Diana (Danny) Camargo, Abraham (Heather) Rolling, Nathan Rolling, Tyler and Kate Rolling, Jill (Adam) Showers, Andrew Showers, Jessica(Jeremy) Showers, Anthony (McKenna) Showers, Aiden and Erin Rolling, and Alexander and Noah Borneman; great-grandchildren, Cailie Bradt, Leilah and Natalia Coy, Charlette Scovill, Azalea Cornish, Elijah, Gabriel and Noah Wood, CJ Rolling, Roux Rolling and Lane Douglas; brothers and sisters, Tim (Shirley), Andy (Ellen), Ken (Rochelle),Monica Scott, Elaine Brockman John (Barb), Steve (Kathy) and Mark (Betty), sister-in-law, Dona Whiting; brother-in-law, Eugene LeMere; and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and close family friends, dear to heart. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Rolling; an infant sister; mother and father-in-law, Maynard and Leone Lemere; and brothers-in-law, Lyle Whiting and Gerald LeMere. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St, Monona, at noon, on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, with Father John Silva and Father James McNamee concelebrating. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, with recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m., and at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., prior to the Mass on Friday. Private interment will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Bonnie, Patti and Elizabeth of Tomah Memorial Hospice Care for their care and compassion and the supportive team of St. Mary's Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Joseph's Catholic Parish or Tomah Memorial Hospice Care. Don, you have strengthened me with your prayers, blessed me with your love, and encouraged me with your hope. All my Love, Marlene. What can you say to someone who has always been one of the most essential parts of your world, someone who took you by the hand when you were little and helped to show you the way, someone who stood by to help you grow, providing love, strength and support so you could become the person you are today. What can you say to let him know that he is the best there is, and that you hope you have inherited some of his wisdom and his strength? What words would you say if you ever got the chance? Maybe you just say, "I love you, Dad" and hope he understands. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420