Roland Charles Pestel was born at Norfolk, Nebraska on October 3, 1918 to Emil and Constance Pestel.  Throughout his life, Mr. Pestel was affectionately known as "Rollie."

The Pestels moved to Valentine in 1919 and with two other partners, purchased the Red Front Mercantile from a Mrs. Brayton.  Rollie spent his formative years attending school in Valentine and working at the Red Front.  He attended a private school in Lincoln from 1932-34, at which time he received his eighth grade diploma.  He then attended the Mexico Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri from 1934-38.  Following military school, Rollie returned to Valentine where he worked for his father at the Red Front.

Rollie retired from the Red Front when his father sold it to C. H. "Cork" Young in 1981.  Following retirement, Rollie devoted his time to his beloved local organizations including the Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon from 1979 to 1984; the Valentine Public Library; the Cherry County Historical Society; Mount Hope Cemetery; Miller Field; the Valentine Fire Department; and Centennial Hall.  Rollie was known throughout the area as a wealth of knowledge regarding Valentine and Cherry County history.  His knowledge was frequently shared with other local historians, and he enjoyed visiting with anyone regarding memories of their families and the growth of Valentine.  Rollie's greatest passion was reading, and he was receiving books from the library until shortly before he passed away.

Valentine has lost an outstanding and philanthropic citizen.  Many local organizations have benefited greatly from Rollie's beneficence, and his legacy will continue to benefit local charities going forward.

Rollie was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Constance Pestel.  Survivors include a cousin, Anita Kracl, of Fremont, Nebraska; as well as Andrew Johnson, his attorney; Bernard Eklund, his conservator; David Higgins, his former conservator; as well as an entire community of friends.

Funeral service for Roland Pestel age 100 of Valentine will be held on Wednesday, May 15 ^th at 11:00 AM at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.  Visitation will be 1 hour before the funeral at the church.  Mr. Pestel passed away on May 9 ^th at Cherry Hills.