Joseph Rollins passed away on July 4, 2026 at the age of 93, surrounded by family in Rochester, MN. Joe was born in Owatonna, MN in 1933 to Joseph and Marjorie Rollins. He was the eldest of three children. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1951, and then from Macalester College in 1955 with degrees in both economics and sociology. After graduation, he entered the US Naval Aviation Program and completed flight training at Pensacola, FL. Following 5 years of active duty in the US Navy with tours aboard the USS Shangri-La, he switched military branches to the US Air Force and became a member of the Air Force Reserve at Fort Snelling, retiring in 1977 from the military after achieving rank of Full Colonel and position as Air Wing Commander of the 934th. In addition, Joe flew as a corporate pilot for Honeywell for 26 years, retiring in 1992 as Chief Pilot. Joe married Elaine Merritt in 1975, and they lived in the Twin Cities area and Owatonna, MN until 1992, when they retired to Silver Bay, MN. Elaine passed away in 2023. Joe loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping. He and Elaine owned a cabin on Northern Light Lake in Ontario and enjoyed numerous trips there for 30 years. They also frequently spent winters in Mesa, AZ.
Joe is survived by his son Mark Rollins (Sharon), daughter Patricia Rollins, with grandchildren Matthew Rollins, Amanda Diedrich and Alexandra Borchert (Brandon) and great grandson, Jack Borchert. In addition, he is also survived by brother Richard Rollins (Paula) and was preceded in death by beloved daughter Charisse and sister Carolyn Perry.
A memorial service is planned for the Fall in Silver Bay. The family extends their gratitude and appreciation to Moments Hospice who helped care for Joe in his final years in Rochester, MN. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please send donations to your local VA services.
