Mr. Roland W. Watkins

Roland W. Watkins, age 80, of Berlin, WI, formerly of Redgranite and Fond du Lac, passed away on Tuesday March 25, 2014 at the Fountain View Care Center of Ripon. Roland was born on February 8, 1934 in Milwaukee, the son of John and Ethel (Kuhn) Watkins. He graduated from Wautoma High School and continued on to receive a teaching certificate from the Waushara County Teachers College. He was a member of the US Army National Guard, 32nd Division. Roland was married to June Alice McCrory in August of 1959 in Eden, WI. She preceded him in death in November of 1981. He later married Arvilla Dredske (Schubert) on May 4, 2002 in Berlin, WI. Roland taught school for a short time after he graduated, was employed as a laborer at International Paper in Fond du Lac, and worked for many years as a security guard for Pinkerton Security. Later in life he volunteered for Waushara County driving senior citizens to medical appointments. Roland also worked at CCLS (Creative Community Living Services) in Berlin, where he supervised developmentally disabled adults until his retirement. He had a great sense of humor and loved reading, gardening and listening to music. Roland is survived by his second wife, Arvilla of Berlin; his two sons, Tom Watkins and Tim Watkins (Terri); 5 grandchildren: Casey, Melissa, Elizabeth, Nicholas and Stephanie. He is further survived by his twin brother Robert Watkins, one brother-in-law Russell Radtke, numerous nieces and nephews, and other family and friends. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by one brother James Watkins, sister Maxine Radtke, sisters-in-law Anne Watkins and Jane Watkins and nephew Jeffrey Watkins. A Funeral service will be held on Monday March 31, 2014 at 11a.m. from the Saint John Lutheran Church of Berlin with the Pastor Bryan Lundquist officiating. Immediately following the service all are invited to Saint John Fellowship Hall for a Luncheon with the family. Relatives and friends may visit with the family and pay their respects to Roland on Monday March 31, 2014 only from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will take place at a later date in the Bush Cemetery in the Town of Berlin. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin. The family of Roland Watkins wishes to thank the staff of The Patriot Place in Berlin, and, more recently, Fountain View Care Center in Ripon for the compassionate care provided.

Mr. Roland W. Watkins

February 8, 1934 - March 25, 2014