Roland J. Gallenberg

Roland J. Gallenberg, affectionately known as “Rol” or “Rollie”, died on July 9th at his home on Fox Lake in Wisconsin.

He is survived by his loving children, Louanna (Tim) Bradley, Loretta and Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce (nee Beaumont) of 61 years, and his brothers David and Norbert.

Roland was born in Langlade County on July 18, 1934 to Agnes and Raymond Gallenberg. The first of four children, he and his brothers were raised in an atmosphere best described as mechanically oriented. The family was always fixing or designing new equipment for farming or transportation; this early experience helped create a man who truly was a machinist, fabricator and a woodworker.

Roland and Joyce began their married life in Waukesha County and then moved to Dodge County in 1964 when opportunity knocked. They ventured into a mobile home business while raising their three children. Roland continued to hold his full-time job as they developed their dream campground business. Their creative efforts were designed by themselves, including a campground addition and then expanding the original building to include a bait and mini-convenience store. Once that was complete, Roland began making wooden boats. In between all these projects and while managing the waterways on their acreage to better support bird and fish populations, he built cabinets for their home, assorted children’s toys, and wooden items which Joyce enhanced with the rosemaling art she loved. He used the wood from their oak trees to create furniture pieces, along with larger toy items, that continue to be cherished by family all these years later. His skill and productivity are not surprising given one of the first items he made as a teen was a motorized car for his younger brothers to ride in and drive. All these pieces were enjoyed greatly, and still are in the stories we share.

Roland valued family and worked hard to provide for them and their futures. He and Joyce both served as role models of strength and responsibility. Together they were unwavering in their values, always standing up for what they believed was right, and ensured the family’s well-being with quiet strength and unconditional love. They shared countless joyful moments with family fishing, gardening, baking, crafting and storytelling – sometimes even chores were joyful! They passed their love of the outdoors, skillful hands, the ability to build and fix, and an appreciation of the beauty of nature on to all of us.

Of significant note, Roland was a role model for citizenship as he and Joyce filled many community roles and participated in many local clubs/organizations. He served on several Town of Fox Lake committees as well as being a constant presence at the board meetings to assure needs were met for the greatest number of residents. They donated time and funding to many community projects which are still appreciated today including implementation of the sewer system around the lake, the Fox Lake Aquatic Center, the new Town Hall, and improvements to parks on the lake. They facilitated day camps at their property for Scouting adventures along with Joyce’s decade-long role as a leader and advocate for the Girl Scouts. Roland built the quilting equipment for Joyce to sew quilts - along with others in the local group – as a loving gesture for those in need. They were always busy taking care of all that was presented to them and more.

Roland’s woodworking talents expanded on his retirement from Waukesha Engine/Dresser Industries; including the acquisition of saw mill equipment to work the wood from his own oak trees. Both he and Joyce’s doting and devoted nature were embodied in the many items he continued to make for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We all still love the wooden trains, airplanes, scooters, cradles, beds, quilt stands, tables, grill carts and many other items he made for us. He was a teacher at heart and taught gun safety to his children, and fly tying to anyone interested – a skill which helped many a fisherperson hook the catch of their sporting lives.

He is remembered as a loving and involved father, uncle and grandfather – with a special bond and joyful interactions with his youngest great-grandson. He is loved and will be greatly missed by his children, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his sibling Bernard and family, and nieces and nephews. We are so grateful to have been shaped by his and Joyce’s enduring example.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, Roland would simply want you to take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you, find the best in others, and do your part to leave the world just a little bit better.

At Roland’s request there will be no funeral services.