Birgy Rolstad passed away peacefully, with his wife of 64 years by his side, on Monday, December 12, 2011 at his home.  He was 86 years of age.

The funeral for Birgy Rolstad will be at 11:00AM on Friday, December 16, 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Church, with Pastor Norman Wahl officiating.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Birgy was a lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

Birgy was born October 2, 1925 in Rochester to Birger and Mary Rolstad. He attended Rochester High School until enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943. In 1945 following his time in the US Navy, he returned to Rochester. On September 20, 1947, Birgy married Iva Marie Liudahl at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, MN. Birgy and Iva shared the same birthday, October 2, 1925 which made it an even more special day for them.

Birgy began his printing career at Whiting's Press upon returning from the service. In 1963, he started Custom Printing in Rochester and was co-owner until his retirement in 1986.

Survivors include his loving wife, Iva, his son Steve (Rebecca) Rolstad, his daughter, Renee Balloy, and grandchildren Angie and Erik Balloy, all of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Leitzen, and two brothers, Fred and Robert Rolstad.

More than anything, Birgy loved his family and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them, both at home and the family cabin in Wisconsin. He was gifted in wood-carving, loved fishing, craft shows, the MN Vikings and MN Wild hockey and loved talking and laughing with family and friends. He especially enjoyed visitors coming to see him as he became home-bound. Birgy was a gentle, easy to please man who was a joy to be around. His big contagious smile made others around him smile and will certainly be missed.

Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church or Season's Hospice in Rochester.