Andrew Eugene Roller

Andrew Eugene Roller, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Born Sept. 16, 1934, in Schefield, North Dakota, to Adam Roller and Rose Huschka Roller, he was the youngest of 10 children. Being a farm boy, Andrew had two loves growing up: his horse, Silver, and music. At the tender age of 6, Andrew taught himself to play drums.

Andrew married the love of his life, Leona Urlacher, on Jan. 19, 1955. Work moved Andrew and Leona from North Dakota to Billings. Blessed with seven children, Andrew and Leona began raising their family in Billings, then moved to Laurel, where the younger children completed school. Andrew drove semi truck for Timberweld Manufacturing, hauling laminated beams, driving over one million miles accident-free throughout his career. When not driving, Andrew continued to pursue his love of music. In 1970, he formed an eight-piece band, playing for many events. Andrew also played with other bands throughout his life, filling in whenever a drummer was needed.

Upon retiring from Timberweld, never one to sit still, Andrew chose to work for Jan’s IGA in Laurel, and used his driving experience to drive a bus for both Laurel Schools and the Laurel Senior Center. He loved woodworking and was always designing and building items for family and friends.

Andrew is survived by his wife of 67 years, Leona; and their seven children, Dean, Denise (Allen) Richard, Paula (Ross) Grenfell, Carla (Mark) Jones, Wayne (Sharon), Todd (Linda) and Aaron. Andrew is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and his sister, Theresia Roller Anton. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, four sisters and one daughter-in-law, Linda Reichert Roller.

Vigil will be at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, with rosary preceding, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive. Services will be streamed via www.michelottisawyers.com.

Instead of flowers, please consider donations to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Jude Children’s hospital or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Stillwater Hospice and Sweetwater Retirement for their kind care of Andrew.