Harlan David Rolla Sr., was born on August 22, 1932 on the family farm in McKenzie County, the son of Conrad and Evangeline (Eheler) Rolla. Growing up, he spent most of his time working on the family farm and ranch. He took over the farm and ranch from his father, Conrad Rolla.

He met Carol Juanita Ericson and they married two years later in 1962. They lived on the family farm and ranch the entire time they were married. They raised four children and taught them to love the Lord Jesus. Harlan was a man of God and it showed in his demeanor and in the way that he treated others. Early in their marriage, Harlan worked for neighbor, John Anderson. Harlan drove school bus for 37 years for the McKenzie County School District, which worked out perfectly in making certain that his four children had a way to get to school. He enjoyed driving the bus and interacting with the children.

Harlan was a man of few words, so when he spoke—you listened! He waved to everyone when he drove and spoke to you when he met you on the street. He loved spending time with his family and his eight grandchildren. He was a wise man and enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren of his love of the land. He was a deacon in the church for many years and had a true love for the Lord. He was most recently attending New Town Baptist Fellowship.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carol, his twin infant sons, James and Joseph, his three brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his children, David (Tammy) Rolla of Williston, ND, Angie (Scott) Abbey of Del Valle, TX, Hope (Brian) Kovaloff of Mandan, ND and Conrad (Cherri) Rolla of New Town, ND; grandchildren, Aaron and Austin Rolla, Erin and Ian Abbey, Riley and Hunter Kovaloff and Ashlynn and Clara Rolla; and his special friend, Shirley Bombach.

Harlan will be missed by all that knew him. He passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2018 in St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck from cancer.