David Thomas Rolland

David Thomas Rolland

April 16, 1955 – October 16, 2026

David Thomas Rolland, 71, of Highland, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, in Munster, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

David was born on April 16, 1955, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Mike and Eleanor Rolland. He graduated from high school in 1973 and continued his education at Butler University, eventually pursuing a career in law and becoming an attorney. He was a longtime resident of Highland, Indiana, where he made his home for 40 years and built a lifetime of memories with those he loved.

In 1980, David married the love of his life, Beverly (Knight) Rolland. Together, they shared 38 years of marriage and built a beautiful family with their four children: Jennifer, Melissa, Matthew, and Erin. Above all else, David was a devoted husband and father who took great pride in his family.

To know David was to know how deeply he loved his children. He was the kind of dad everyone hopes to have—always supportive, always encouraging, and always there. Whether celebrating their accomplishments or offering guidance through life's challenges, David was their biggest supporter.

One of David's greatest joys came when he earned the title of "Papa." His grandchildren, Jack and Ellie, held an incredibly special place in his heart. He adored them both and made it a priority to be present in their lives. From attending their activities and cheering them on to their treasured weekly conversations, Papa made sure they always knew just how much they were loved. Being their grandfather was one of his proudest accomplishments.

David was an avid sports fan who enjoyed football, hockey, and basketball, but his heart truly belonged to baseball, especially his beloved Chicago Cubbies. He loved the excitement of the game and the memories made while watching and cheering for his favorite team! Go Cubs Go!

Another lifelong passion was fishing. David loved being on the water and took special pride in teaching multiple generations of his family how to fish. Those lessons were about far more than catching fish; they were opportunities to spend time together, share stories, and create memories that will be cherished for years to come.

David also treasured time spent traveling and making memories with family. He especially enjoyed trips up north, a tradition that brought generations together. In more recent years, he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with his sister Kay, creating new adventures and memories along the way. He also enjoyed making family favorites in the kitchen and in recent years collecting birds and stones.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Rolland; his daughter, Melissa Rolland; his parents, Mike and Eleanor Rolland; his in-laws, Loran and Hannah Knight; his sister, Mary; his brother-in-law, Ed; his sister-in-law, Peggy; and his nephew, Billy.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving children, Jennifer (Jeff) Higley, Matthew Rolland, and Erin Rolland; his adored grandchildren, Jack and Eleanor Higley; his brothers, William Rolland and Mike Rolland; his sister, Kay Sarti; his sister-in-law, Sue Rolland; and brother-in-law Tim (Chrislin) Knight. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, to whom he was an amazing, loving, and supportive uncle.

David's greatest legacy will not be measured by his professional accomplishments, but by the love he gave so freely, the family he cherished, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.

He was a son, brother, husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend. Each of those titles meant something special to him, and he filled every role with love and devotion.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.