Roland Francis Abell

Roland F. “Rollie” Abell passed away on December 1, 2025, in Mesquite, Nevada. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, on August 20, 1935, to Roland L. (“Mike”) and Frances (“Fanny”) Abell.

After graduating from East Aurora High School in 1953, Rollie proudly served his country in the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He married Nancy Rae Adams on November 26, 1955, in Aurora, Illinois.

Rollie was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kelly Rae (Abell) Pinks; his wife, Nancy; his mother-in-law, Ruth MaGill; and his brother-in-law, Henry Fonda.

He is survived by his son, Timothy (Janet) Abell; brothers Gerald L. Abell and Dale (Natalee) Abell; sister Mary K. Abell; sisters-in-law Shirlee Fonda and Bonnie (Donald) Long; and several nieces and nephews.

Rollie was employed by Northern Illinois Gas Company for 39½ years. He was a 61-year member of the Loyal Order of Moose and also a member of the American Legion. Upon his retirement from N.I. Gas, Rollie accepted a position with Moose International as the State Director of Illinois and later as Regional Manager of Illinois, a role he held for 15 years.

Rollie was bestowed the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, the highest honor conferred upon a Moose member. He served Moose International as Justice of the Supreme Forum and was elevated to Chief Justice for the 2013–2014 fiscal year. He also served for 13 years on the Moose International Ritual Committee and had the honor of developing and coaching the “Stage Presence” program for the Northwest Moose Legion #57 Ritual Staff.

Rollie attended Waubonsee Community College, Sauk Valley Community College, Illinois Benedictine College, and the University of Wisconsin. He was an avid sports fan with a lifelong love of football, which he played in high school, with the former Aurora Clippers, and during his service in the U.S. Army.