Roland Charles Wolke

Roland (Roly) Wolke 87, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on December 4, 2021. He was a caring and faithful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met. Roland was born and spent his youth in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens New York, graduating from Richman Hills High School in 1951. Roland attended Hofstra University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1955. Upon graduation, Roland began a teaching career in Uniondale, New York and eventually moved to Tempe, Arizona where he obtained a Master of Education degree from Arizona State University. It was in Arizona where Roland met the love of his life and fellow teacher, Mary Belle Buell. They were married two years later and eventually moved to Wickenburg, Arizona and raised three children: Brenda Coe of Mesa, AZ, Bruce Wolke of Gilbert, AZ, and Debbie Morrison of Franklin, TN. Roland’s teaching and administrative career landed him in both the Aguila and Wickenburg Arizona School Districts as the high school and elementary principals. In 1977 he resigned and started a new career by opening his own Farmers Insurance Agency in downtown Wickenburg. Upon retirement, Roland and Mary moved to Chandler, AZ to be closer to their family. Roland is preceded by his parents Charles and Katherine Wolke. He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He will be deeply missed and will always be remembered for his outgoing personality, fierce loyalty and love for his family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on January 8th, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Melcher Chapel of the Roses, 43 South Stapley Drive, Mesa, AZ 85204. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org) or the Alzheimer's Association. (www.alz.org). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the Wolke family.