Roland was born on May 17, 1929 to William and Emma Dexter at home in Holt County in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. He was the sixth of seven children.

At the age of 17, he started teaching in Nebraska rural schools after taking teacher training courses in high school. Roland continued his education at Chadron State College and obtained a BA degree in 1954. He taught four more years in Nebraska. He received a Master’s Degree from Greeley, Colorado in 1957.

During summers from 1956 – 1961, Roland worked as a Park Ranger at Mt. Rushmore where he met Delores Junge. They were married on June 10, 1960. A daughter, Jolene, was born to the couple on July 19, 1962.

Roland was employed by the Lead-Deadwood School District from 1957 until 1991. He taught Junior High Social Studies for 3 years and High School Social Studies 31 years. During the summers Roland worked various summer jobs cooking, school maintenance and painting, and even co-owning an A&W Drive Inn.

Roland was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He served a term as president of the congregation as well as serving on boards and in many other capacities. He also served on the Salvation Army Board and the Senior Citizens Board.

Roland enjoyed the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Shepherd of the Hills. He also enjoyed outdoor activities including gardening, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and traveling to National Parks. Roland took great joy in his family and extended family activities.

Roland is survived by his wife, Delores; daughter, Jolene; sister, Opal Kirkpatrick; brother, Donald (Marlene) Dexter; sister-in-law, Pearl Dexter; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Ray and Leonard Dexter, and sisters Beulah Moses and Hazel Dexter.