Ervin Rocholl – Formerly Maine Township, Undewood, MN

Ervin Rocholl, 87, formerly of Maine Twp., died Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Hadley House in Perham, MN. Ervin Rocholl, a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and lifelong farmer, passed away peacefully Friday, August 9, 2024. Born March 20, 1937 at his country home near Heilberger Lake, the son of Henry and Irene (Kugler) Rocholl. Ervin dedicated his life to nurturing both his family and the land. His unwavering commitment to his loved ones and the farm he cultivated for over six decades leaves a legacy of hard work, kindness and devotion that will be cherished for generations to come. From an early age, Ervin developed a deep connection to farming, learning the ropes from his father of a profession that would be-come his life’s work. He graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in 1955. Leaving the farm for a brief stint, he worked in the taconite mines in Silver Bay, MN then basic training at Ft Leonardwood, MO. In 1956 he rented land and began his farming career. He met and married the love of his life, Camilla Klinnert in 1959. In 1960, he purchased his first piece of ground. That year, the rains didn’t come and though he had planted, there would be no crop to harvest. Taking it in stride, he believed the soil held more than just crops, it held the roots of his family’s history and it’s future. Through the years, Ervin transformed the farm into a thriving operation, embracing both traditional methods and modern techniques. His knowledge of the land and dedication to his craft earned him respect among his peers as evidenced by being selected as the West Otter Tail Farmer of the Year in 2006. He loved the smell of freshly baled hay, a newly plowed field and the air after a welcomed summer rain. He took quiet pride in a newborn calf or piglet and did what he could to give them a great start at life. Ervin would celebrate the end of a planting season or harvest with a “bump” and chicken dinner at a local restaurant. Family was at the core of Ervin’s life. With Camilla, they raised 3 children: Deb, Scott and Tammy instilling in them the same values of hard work, honesty and love that Ervin lived by every day. As a grandfather and great-grandfather, he found great joy in teaching them about the farm and showing them the beauty of a life connected to the earth. His greatest pride was seeing his family grow and thrive, knowing that they carried forward values he held dear. Ervin was not only a dedicated farmer and family man but also a pillar of the local community. He shared his knowledge of the agriculture industry on various boards and committees including the Underwood Co-op Creamery Board, Sverdrup Mutual Insurance Company, the Fergus Falls Farmers Elevator Board and the FSA County Committee. He served on the Maine Township Board as Clerk and Supervisor, and was a Trustee for the St. James Catholic Church. His quiet leadership in those organizations was appreciated by those who served with him. He is proceeded in death by Camilla, his wife of 61 years; parents, Henry and Irene Rocholl; sisters, Marlene Wahlgren, Susan Neu-leib; and other treasured family members. He is survived by his children, Debra (Larry) Stoa of Hawley, Scott (Leah) of Underwood and Tamara (Jon) Holland of West Fargo; bonus son, Dennis (Jenny) Schmidt; grandchildren, Chelsey, Amy and Logan Stoa, Hannah (Kevin) Reedstrom, Noah (Morgan) Roch-oll, Katelyn (Jordan) Nelson and Ben (Isabel) Holland; great-grandchildren, Eli, Brooks and Brynn Nelson, and Harper Reedstrom; and numerous other family and friends. Though Ervin is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the fields he tilled, the family he loved and the community he served. His life was a testament to the power of hard work, the importance of family and the enduring bond between people and the land. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Visitation was 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church in rural Underwood with Parish Prayers starting at 5 p.m. and sharing starting at 6:30 p.m. Visitation resumed one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Please refer to the live-stream link: www.youtube.c om/watch?v=15t0Q7LlKLI Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church in rural Underwood, MN with Father George Michael officiating. Interment was at St. James Catholic Cemetery in rural Underwood, Minnesota. Arrangements were provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls. Online condolences may be sent www.olsonfuneralhom e.com,