Rolyn Minkel

Rolyn Minkel, age 73, of Olivia, MN passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. A gathering of family and friends will be on Wednesday, May 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Olivia. A private family burial will be at a later date at the Olivia Cemetery.

Rolyn Rodney Minkel was born on August 28, 1950 to Arthur and Johanna “Helen” (Butenhoff) Minkel in Willmar, MN. He graduated from Olivia High School in 1968. Following high school he worked for Elk River Concrete for a few years. Rolyn served his country in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972. After his military service Rollie worked as a foreman for Marcus Construction, and then did concrete work with his brother Lelyn from 1973 to 1987. Rolyn was united in marriage to Phyllis Prahl on June 16, 1972 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls, MN. Their honeymoon to Canada may have only lasted one night, due to the high cost of the campground, but they shared 51 happy years together. They made their home in Olivia and were blessed with two children. For 20 years they spent time camping on Canary Beach near Villard, MN, where countless family memories were made. He enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting as well as fishing with Jason and Shawn. Rollie bowled with his father-in-law and was quite the pool shark in his younger years. Many 100 mile motorcycle trips were made with Phyllis, as well as quick rides for an ice cream cone in the surrounding towns. They also traveled to many military reunions over the years throughout the United States, keeping up his relationships with those that he served with. His passion for gardening, especially potatoes, gave him the nickname “The Potato Man.” Rollie loved sharing his harvest with family and friends every year. He was a proud father and grandfather, and soon to be great-grandfather. Passing on his knowledge and skills of the trade to his son, Jason, they operated Quality Concrete together from 1998 to 2016. Rolyn was a true craftsman; his vision and talent for transforming houses and spaces was unmatched. He could see the potential that others couldn’t, and used his skills on many run down houses in the area. Rollie used his talent to hand craft cabinets, dressers, tables, desks, and repurpose wood from old buildings. He had extensive knowledge about all of the different species of wood and handpicked the perfect pieces to make his creations. If he built something for your home, you knew it was of the highest quality. He will be remembered for being a tough but soft hearted man.

Rolyn is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his children: Jason (and Susan) Minkel of Redwood Falls and Shealynn (and Shawn) Joyce of Milan; his grandchildren: Jorden Minkel (and significant other, Jake), Colten (and Mikayla) Minkel, Presten Minkel, Alexandra Joyce, Creed Joyce, and Tyson Joyce; and his great-grand baby Minkel on the way; his brother, Lelyn (and Kathy) Minkel of New London; his sisters-in-law, Ruby Minkel of Morton and Nellie Minkel of Olivia. Rolyn was preceded in death by his parents; infant baby, Chad; brothers: Arlyn, Darwin, Galyn, Verlyn, and Marlyn; and sister-in-law, Janet Minkel.

Blessed Be His Memory