Roland 'Rolly' Erp

Visitation for Rolly Erp, of Morris, Minnesota, will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 4-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris. Burial will be on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Madison, Minnesota.

Roland William Erp was born in Dawson, Minnesota, the youngest twin, and the last child born to Warren and Caroline (Streich) Erp on May 25, 1953. Rolly was raised in Boyd and was baptized and confirmed in his Lutheran faith. He began his schooling in Clarkfield, then Boyd, and when Dawson-Boyd consolidated his junior year of high school, he graduated from Dawson-Boyd High School, class of 1972. While in high school, Rolly was introduced to a young lady from Madison, Deniese Bormann; they met for a blind date with friends, and this started their romance, and they later married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Madison on April 19, 1975. Following high school, Rolly continued his education in Detroit Lakes for Drafting. They moved to Moorhead, and for a short time, Rolly worked in drafting until he accepted a manager’s position with Amoco Oil. While in Moorhead, they welcomed their first son, Justin. In 1978, Rolly moved his family to Morris, Minnesota, accepting a position as owner/operator of the local Amoco Oil Station. In Morris, they welcomed three more sons to the family: Darin, Jason, and Devon. In 1980, Rolly switched jobs and began his 30 plus year career with the City of Morris, first with water and then the Parks Department. After a back injury hurried his retirement, Rolly continued working driving school bus for Morris Area Schools until his health no longer allowed for him to work.

Rolly served for many years on the Ducks Unlimited Committee, assisted with Deer Hunters Association, and participated in trap shooting league. At the age of 16, he shot his first deer, one that made the Boone & Crocket Record Book – this fueled his love for hunting, and fishing, a pastime that he passed on to his sons. Rolly always looked forward to the fall when he would take a month off to help his brother-in-law and nephew with the fall harvest. He and Deniese enjoyed lake cabin vacations, attending their sons and grandchildren’s activities, and were fortunate to have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Rolly died peacefully at home, with his wife at his side, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, he was 72 years old.

Rolly is survived by his wife, Deniese of Morris; his sons: Justin (Christa) Erp of Savage, Darin (Jennifer) Erp of Bismarck, ND, Jason Erp of Morris, and Devon Erp of Chokio; seven grandchildren: Keegan and Finley Erp, Brianna, Kaiya, and Roland Erp, and Lindy and Ryan Erp; siblings: Carol (Rod) Davis of Glenwood, Ken (Carol) Erp of Dawson, David (Paulette) Erp of Hazel Run, Susan (George) Greseth of Juniper, FL, Rodney (Barbara) Erp of Bagwell, TX; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Renae (Michael) Bussen of Bangor, PA, Tim (Patty) Bormann of Morris, and Dann (Stacey) Bormann of Waunakee, WI; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Rolly is preceded in death by his parents: Warren and Caroline; parents-in-law: Marv and Kay Bormann; sister, Bev (Jim) Thaves; sisters-in-law: Michelle Peterson and Mary Kathryn Bormann.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for Rolly.