He was born January 20, 1934 at the Rolli homestead in Lafayette County, WI. Neil was the youngest of two children born to Frederick E and Catherine M (Brannan) Rolli. He was a graduate of Cuba City High School (WI) in 1952. Neil served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957 during the Korean War. After military service he pursued a degree in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In 1961, Neil graduated from UW-Whitewater and shortly after, married Bonnie Louise Halvorsen. Together they had four children, Charles (’62), Bridgette (’63), Jeffrey (’64) and Eric (’78).
After graduation Neil began his teaching career on the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation. In 1967 he moved back to Whitewater where he taught history at Whitewater Junior High School. During his time in Whitewater he also supported the school district as the AV Coordinator and attained his M.A. in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He finished his career in 1996 teaching fourth grade at Lakeview Elementary School. After retirement, Neil moved to Park Falls in 2001 to pursue his life-long interests of hunting and fishing. In 2014 he made his final move to the Hartford area. Neil will always be remembered for his love of fishing and hunting with his grandchildren and telling stories around the campfire. He was also a proud member of Phi Chi Epsilon Fraternity, Kiwanis Club, VFW, and the American Legion.
Preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Catherine (Brannan) Rolli. He is survived by his sister; Mary Louise (Rolli) Bowden, Cuba City, WI; his children, Charles Rolli, Waupaca, WI, Bridgette Turner (Chris), Trempealeau, WI, Jeffrey Rolli, Aurora, CO, Eric Rolli (Robyn), Minot, ND, his daughter-in-law; Brenda Rolli, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Mainstreet Pub & Winery in Cuba City, WI. A Military Service Ceremony is also scheduled at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VFW Post 8318 in Cuba City, WI.
