Obituary of Rolan Edwin Kennedy

Rolan Edwin Kennedy was born on June 22, 1942, in Bedford, Indiana.  He was one of two boys born to the union of Woodson Kennedy and Floanna (Wagner) Kennedy. Rolan attended Bedford High School in Bedford, Indiana, graduating with the Class of 1960.  In June of 1961, Rolan enlisted in the United States Army.  He earned the rank of Sergeant prior to receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1967. 

On June 14, 1969, in Toledo, Ohio, Rolan married the love of his life, the former Sharon Marie Michalski. Together they were blessed with two children: Tina and Jeffrey.  To provide for his family, Rolan worked all his life in the pipeline construction industry.  He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324.  He retired in 2016 from the H.L. Crouse Construction Company. 

Rolan was a member of the Monroe Lodge 27 Free and Accepted Masons and was a Blue Lodge Mason and member of the Moslem Shriners of Detroit.  He loved to fish and often cast a line at Ready Road Park or Sterling State Park hoping to catch a bite. 

Rolan enjoyed an ice-cold beer or glass of blackberry Crown Royal.  The two were best enjoyed while playing a hand of poker at the MGM or Hollywood Casinos.  He and Sharon liked travel and visited many different destinations. Along their journey they made sure to detour to the nearest Hard Rock Café. He enjoyed watching sci-fi movies and collecting items such as steins, shot glasses, coins, zippo lighters, various tools, and knifes.

Rolan Edwin Kennedy, age 82 of Monroe, Michigan passed away on Thursday; October 31, 2024, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. His passing was preceded by his parents: Woodson and Floanna Kennedy and his wife Sharon Kennedy on October 14, 2023.

To cherish Rolan’s memory, he leaves a daughter: Tina Kennedy of Monroe; a son:  Jeffrey (Stephanie) Kennedy of Dundee; five grandchildren: Devyn (Megan) Kennedy, Samantha (Jonathan) Domosle, Alexis (Ethan) Heck, Jordin Kennedy, and Specialist Joshua Kennedy; and five great grandchildren: Harper, Atley, Skylar, Aurora, and Asher.

Friends may gather for a graveside service at 10:30am on Monday; November 4, 2024, at Roselawn Memorial Park, 13200 South Dixie Highway, LaSalle, Michigan 48145.  Military honors will be provided under the auspices of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. Rolan’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.

For those desiring, memorial contributions in Rolan’s memory are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Shriner’s Hospital. Online guest may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.