Rollie

Rolland Arne Adkins began his new life in heaven on May 10, 2026. Rollie began his earthly life on May 28th, 1945 the son of Geneva Bruce and Harold Monson in Marshall, MN. They divorced and Geneva married Glenn Adkins, who became a true father to Rollie. Glenn worked for the Minnesota Highway Department, so the family traveled around the state as he worked on various projects. Rollie grew up in Pipestone, moving to Brainerd in the 4th grade, and then graduated from Sauk Rapids High School after moving there in the 10th grade.

Undoubtedly Rollie inherited his strong work ethic from Geneva and Glenn. He started working early on as a paper boy at the age of 9. He would take some of his weekly earnings and buy ice cream to share with his family. From there he went on to have many jobs, some of the more physically demanding ones included working on a mink ranch, filling in graves, and pounding spikes for the railroad. Then one day his parents gave him a piece of advice that he would eventually pass down to his own children: “You can make your living by either using your brawn or your brain.” He chose his brain.

Rollie began his college studies at St. Cloud State University before transferring into the engineering program at the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation, he was hired directly out of their prestigious chemical engineering program by 3M. Rollie worked as a chemical engineer at 3M and later at Larson Boats, before discovering that his true passion was for trading stocks. Returning to St. Cloud State to earn his MBA, he launched his career in the securities industry. Rollie worked for several firms before starting his own, Adkins Securities, in 1983.

He was fortunate that his hobby was also his job. One of the most rewarding aspects for him was acting as an investment banker, raising capital for new start-ups so that they could grow and hire employees.

Rollie retired after being blessed by God with thirty successful years in the securities industry. As he planned his retirement, he chose 9/11/2001 to notify the NASD to cease NASDAQ market making, only then to come to work and witness the horrific events of that day.

Rollie married Lorretta Cauwels in 1967, and they adopted their two children, Chris and Allison. They divorced in 1988. Rollie married Mary Bossen in 1992.

He and Mary purchased their north woods cabin in 2006, and then moved up north to join the Gunflint Trail community full time in 2014. One way he served that community was on the board of the Arrowhead Electric Co-op for one term, which was a new and rewarding challenge for him.

Rollie was a man strong in his conservative and Christian convictions. He was a loving husband and father, and a wonderful provider. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children Chris Adkins and Allison (Heath) Garey, his grandsons, Kevin and Cole Garey, and his two half-brothers, Steve Adkins and David Monson. He is preceded in death by his two older sisters, Sharron (Dave) Robinson and Linda (Ron) Feia, and a half-brother, Mike Monson.

Services will be at Life in Christ Lutheran Church – LCMS in Grand Marais, MN on Monday, May 18th. Visitation from 2 PM until the 3 PM service, followed by interment at Maple Hill Cemetery. It was Rollie’s wish that everyone would then return to the church and enjoy some fellowship over a nice steak supper. To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.