Obituaries

William “Bill” Rolland passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, on May 6, 2026, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin surrounded by love and family.

Bill was born on March 2, 1935, to Ralph E. Rolland and Florence M. (Grinsel) Rolland in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was the apple of the eye(s) of his four sisters—Geraldine (Geri), Luann, Patricia (Patty) and Mary. Bill enjoyed an adventurous childhood navigating his love of fishing, playing ball, skating, and golfing. These early experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong love of fun, sports, hard work and a little mischief, all while creating enduring friendships.

Bill graduated from Eau Claire Central High School in 1953. During his high school days, he was a star basketball player and a golden glove boxer. He also started blazing the trail for his golf career. For years he was the Head Golf Professional at multiple local courses. He was a teacher and mentor to generations of golf.

Coinciding with his budding golf career, Bill was an impressive speed skater. He was one of the city’s most successful blademen placing high in national and international competitions. After years of nationally recognized skating, Bill founded and coached the Roll-On Speed Skating Club in 1960. It was a prominent and nationally recognized program that began at Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Bill trained and coached dozens of the area’s youth, many becoming state and national champions. Thanks in part to his club, and with the upsurge in statewide interest in speed skating, the first Olympic Speed Skating track was built in West Allis, WI. This created a speed skating boon and made our state one of the country’s leaders in speed skating today. After a brief pause to serve his country, he resumed the successful organization for several years to come.

Bill was called into service with the United States Army in October 1961. Serving as PFC (P) E-3 as a line medic and was honorably discharged in March of 1963. At that time Bill returned to his golf career.

Bill officially formalized the Chippewa Valley Golf Association (CVGA) in 1958, and it still exists today. This unique organization was nationally recognized and launched the competitive careers of many talented players, some spending time on various tours. Bill served the CVGA for 55 years, 43 of those years (1968-2011) as Secretary and Tournament Director. Bill was among the first inducted into the Chippewa Valley Golf Association’s Hall of Fame in 2015.

On April 26, 1960, Bill met the love of his life when Elizabeth “Beth” Aschenbrenner took her first golf lesson from him at the Eau Claire Golf and Country Club. They married in October 1963 and celebrated 50 years of marriage before her passing in February 2014. Beth soon became known as Mrs. CVGA and the Scoreboard Darling. Their life was filled with mostly eagles & birdies, several pars and an occasional bogey or two on the windier, rainy days. They worked hard, played hard, were well-traveled and shared together their deep faith. They devoted their years to service careers and most importantly to instilling in their children their faith, love and values. Their love story became the center of countless lifelong friendships.

In July of 1964 they welcomed their son Cameron, in August of 1968, their daughter Laurel, and in June of 1972 their daughter Elizabeth Marie, a Saint who watched over from above. This team had a loving bond like no other. As dedicated parents, they supported all endeavors from sports, to theater, to band, to college, through marriages and careers. Bill was blessed with three wonderful grandchildren; Megan, Cameron (CJ) and Olivia. They were a great source of pride. He was their role model, and he loved these three beyond words.

Everyone knew Bill for his epic stories and his ability to remember and tell jokes. His sharp mind, charisma and classic wit kept people entertained day and night. In the minds of so many he will be remembered with one simple word: LEGEND.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, compassion and adventure. He will be deeply missed by his devoted son Cameron (Shelly Conway); daughter, Laurel O’Brien (John); and his wonderful grandchildren, Megan Schwengler (Dawson), Cameron Robertson and Olivia Rolland. He is survived by many cherished nieces & nephews and dear friends.

He was peacefully reunited with his loving wife Beth, daughter Elizabeth Marie, parents, sisters, nieces & nephews, and many, many white poodles. All have welcomed him home.

The family would like to invite you to his celebration of life on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Smith Funeral Chapel, 2222 London Road, Eau Claire, WI. A visitation will be held from 11:00am-1:00pm with a service immediately following. A private burial will be held at a later time. www.smithfuneralec.com.