Roland “Rollie” Tietz

Roland “Rollie” Tietz, age 82, of New Prague, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 30, 2015.  Rollie was born April 27, 1933 at home in Lanesburgh Township to Albert & Ella (Richter) Tietz.  He attended Lanesburgh Country School, New Prague Public Schools, and for a brief time, Mankato State College before entering the US Army in 1954.  He served during the Korean conflict and was stationed in France where he worked with some of the first computers, arranging food for the troops.  Rollie married Joan M. Fierst on July 30, 1958 at Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lanesburgh.  Rollie worked for Dick Korbel Feeds for a short time and then for MN Valley Breeders Association, where he managed the Harvester Division.  In the mid-1970’s Rollie bought the Waconia Dealership of MN Harvestore and owned and operated that until the mid-80’s.  He then founded and operated Tietz Reality in New Prague until his retirement.  Rollie was a member of the VFW and American Legion, served for a number of years on the Lanesburgh School Board and church council and led Bible studies at church.  He belonged to a couples volleyball club called the “Zingers”, a couples kitten ball team for Buttons Pub & Grub, and bowled for Wahlberg Hatchery.  Rollie loved playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rollie is survived by his wife, Joan Tietz of New Prague; children, Rodney (& Michele) Tietz of New Prague, Roger (& Leisha) Tietz of Baxter, MN, Roxanne (& Mike) Rudie of Prior Lake; daughter-in-law, Ruth (& Mike) Novak of New Prague; sister-in-law, Irene Overdahl of Jordan; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Rick Tietz; brothers, Orville (in infancy), Harold, and Erwin Tietz.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 4, 2015, at 10:30 at Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church with Reverend Henry Koch officiating.  Visitation will take place Sunday from 4 – 7 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and Monday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 at church.  Burial, with military honors, will occur at the church cemetery with lunch following in the church hall.