Roland Aroldo Kaiser

He is a first generation American, as his parent’s families left Germany in 1923 immigrating to Brazil, as U.S. quotas were filled. After Roland’s parents met and married, the young couple moved to the United States arriving through Ellis Island in November of 1926. They settled in Sheboygan and later moved to Montana, where they farmed.

Roland’s schooling was difficult, as he spoke only German when he entered school, but he learned English and finished through the eighth grade. After working for the railroad for a short time, he entered and attended North Central Bible Institute for a few years. From there he was inducted into the Army in March of 1945. His education during and after his military service, continued through many life experiences and through his love of reading. Later in life, he received his high school diploma (through Operation Recognition) from Niwot High School.

Roland’s military service took him into Europe after the U.S. invasion and before armistice was reached (VE day). His troop train took them through war torn cities, but it was slow going because they had to wait for the bombed tracks to be repaired. He ended up stationed in Vienna in the US sector as an Army medic at the US 110th Station Hospital. As such, he worked at giving shots when penicillin was new; as a male nurse, during surgeries; in the morgue, helping with dead bodies. Finally, he was transferred to pharmacy and became a pharmacy technician. His ability to speak German was an asset while he was in Europe. He left the military in December of 1946.

Giving and caring for people became natural growing up in a farm community and serving in the military. He continued this in many ways throughout his life. In his early adult years, he served as a pastor in various communities in Montana and Kansas. Later, through his church he was part of a team visiting and serving communion to shut ins. For nearly 30 years, he has been an active member of Gideons International, distributing Bibles to schools, hospitals, and sharing in people’s lives while giving them a Gideon New Testament. Roland spent about 5 years volunteering by providing respite for caregivers. For several years Roland and Janice served as short-term missionaries in Austria at Haus Edelweiss volunteering in the kitchen and on the grounds for this school that provided theological education for pastors who served in eastern Europe. Roland’s German again came in handy as they were able to trust him to run errands without having to have a translator. Throughout his life, he was a witness for Christ by how he lived and spoke.

There were six siblings in Roland’s family. Gone to be with the Lord are Erick Kaiser (Joyce), Irmgard Reger (Ron), and now Roland. Surviving siblings are Wilma Fulbright (Rex) of Rothdrum, ID, Werner Kaiser (Shirley) of Spokane, WA, and Gladis Wickstrom (John) of Olympia, WA. Through his first marriage, Roland became the proud father of two children; Kurt Kaiser (now deceased) and Kimberly Kaiser Mastro of Lynbrook, NY (Richard), and grandchildren Elizabeth (Lizzy) Mastro and Alexandra (Ali) Mastro.

Years later, he met and married Janice Mustoe Habig and they have been married for 45 years. He became stepfather to Cal Habig (Loretta) of Tigard, OR, Doug Habig (Susan) of Carlsbad, CA, Les Habig (Rhonnie) of Windsor, CO, and Kendra Habig Figueroa (Frank) of Broomfield, CO. His step-grandchildren (they refer to him as Opa) are: Ryan Habig (Michelle), Trevor Habig (Kelsey), Nick Raspberry (Megan), Lisa Lindgren (John), Angelle Pilkenton, Cassidy Habig, Drew Habig (Caitlin), Jenna Habig, Gregorio Figueroa, and Emilio Figueroa. His step great grandchildren are: Aiden, Colin, Jane, Makayla, Brooke, Charlotte, Alice, Lucy, Heidi, Hank, Kate, Jack, Elliana, Finnley, Gwendolyn, and Hughie.

Open casket viewing will be on Monday, September 12, 2022, between 4-6 pm at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St. Longmont, CO. A Funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 10:30 am, at LifeBridge Christian Church, 10345 Ute Hwy Longmont, CO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the Ukrainian Refugee Relief Fund at TCM, Int. The URL is tcmi.org/give. Under "Choose your designation" dropdown click on Ukraine Relief fund. Under "Gift Note" put “In memory of Roland Kaiser” and add any notes that you want the family to receive. Those notes will be sent to Janice and the family.