Roland M. Lott — Byron

Roland M. Lott, 85, of Byron, passed away Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center.

Roland was born July 12, 1928, to Matt and Frances Lott in Keewatin, where he grew up and attended schools.He sailed the Great Lakes Ore Carriers for three years. He proudly entered the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in active duty in the Signal Corps in Korea. When he returned from Korea in 1952, he married Deloris Backlund, also from Keewatin.They moved to Babbitt in 1955 where he worked for Reserve Mining Company as an electrician for 37 years. They also happily raised their four children, Debbie, Terrie, Roland and Randy there.

He was very active in the Youth Hockey Program for many years and was proud of being a promoter of the ice arena being built in Babbitt. He was an officer in the United Steelworkers Union and served on the Babbitt Board of Education for four years. He also worked for LTV Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes for four years. He spent many years camping, fishing, playing cards (smear champion) and watching sports with family and friends.

They moved to Hibbing in 1992. Roland enjoyed visiting with family and old friends from Keewatin while he was there. Due to his illness in 2008, they moved to Byron to be closer to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Frances Lott and his sister, Theresa Stensrud.

He is survived by his wife, Deloris; and their four children, Debbie Givens of Virginia, Terrie (Mike) Zirbes of Byron, Roland (Cheryl) of Lakeville and Randy (Donna) of Lakeville; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Matt of Gordon, Wisconsin and John (Gloria) of Babbitt; two sisters, Jean Lashyro of Silver Bay and Corrine (Ernie) Solberg of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

Roland was a member of the Keewatin VFW and the American Legion and the Church of Christ the King in Byron.

A private family funeral service will be held at The Dibble Funeral Home in Kasson. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered at dibblefuneralhome.com .

Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.