Rolland Jay Custer

March 12, 1935 - May 18, 2024

Hi. I'm Rolland (Rollie) Custer. I was blessed to live on this earth for 89 years. I've had the most wonderful life and many memorable experiences.

I was born in Van Wert, Ohio and grew up in Ohio City, Ohio. I was raised by my parents Elba and Violet (Smith) Custer until I was 7 years old when my father died of a farming accident. My sister Lois (Custer) Clutter and I were then supported by our mother who was a Registered Nurse (RN) for over 50 years.

When I was 17, I joined the U.S. Navy and spent the next 8 years (4 active/4 reserve) serving our nation. I was assigned to the USS New Jersey (the most decorated Navy battleship in the fleet) and attained the rank of Boatswains Mate 3rd Class. Being in the Navy allowed me to see the world and meet many people who became good friends.

After my time on active duty, I returned home to begin the next chapter of my life. After a few different jobs, I was hired with International Harvester at their Ft. Wayne, Ind. trucking plant. I worked for them for 42 years. This was also the time I met my wife and life partner of 64 years, Carolyn (Marsee) Custer. We were married on August 29, 1959, and settled in Rockford, Ohio where we became part of the Parkway Panther community. Not wasting any time, Carolyn and I started our family, and we had three awesome children - Steve, Bruce, and Karlene. It is amazing that from those three, we were blessed even further with grandchildren - Christopher, Jonathan, Meghan, Kenneth, Jessica, Jayde and last count 11 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

In 2001, after 65 years of shoveling snow in Ohio, Carolyn, Bruce, and I moved to our forever home in Homosassa, Fla. to enjoy the sun.

I've had a lot of fun during my lifetime. Here are a few hobbies along the way: race car driver, demolition derby competitor, sulky pony racing, volunteering for our kids' school activities, traveling, fishing, mowing my yard, motorcycle riding, and playing Santa for needy families.

I am survived by my loving wife Carolyn, son Steve (Dawn) Custer, daughter Karlene (Richard) Anderson, sister Lois, grandchildren, great grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews, and a village of friends. I am still heartbroken at the loss of our son Bruce in 2020 but am happy to be joining him again.

I want to close by saying "thank you" to everyone for your love, support, friendship, and kindness to me and my family. As I tell anyone who will listen, "I've done it all". I hope you get to do it all, too.

Condolences can be made at macrini-wilderfuneral.com.