Sunday, October 21,
2012
Roland Selke
Sunday, October 21,
2012
Roland Selke, 98, died
peacefully Oct. 20, 2012, leaving deep sadness along with wonderful memories
for his beloved wife, devoted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
friends and so many others whom he loved and mentored.
He was born July 4,
1914, in Cincinnati, a son of Chris and Julia Selke. He had two younger
sisters and a brother, also deceased.
Roland grew up in New
Castle during the Great Depression. At a young age he learned the value of
hard work, family, helping others and being resourceful and practical as well
as appreciating life's simple pleasures.
After graduating from
high school, Roland received a partial scholarship from his church to attend
Hanover College. He studied math and the sciences and played on the college's
football team. It was during a weekend home from college - sporting a broken
arm from a football injury -- that he and some friends appeared uninvited at
a girls' gathering. There he met Waneta La Mar, his life love and partner.
From that point on they built a relationship which carried them through the
joys and struggles of the Depression, World War II, raising their family and
growing old together.
They were married in
1937 in the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle where Roland later served
as a Deacon and Elder. He and Waneta established an ongoing fund through the
church which provides disadvantaged youth the opportunity to participate in
extracurricular and enrichment programs. Roland was loyal to the church and
devout in his beliefs, which he showed through example in the way he lived
his life - always faithful, selfless, kind and forgiving.
Roland was employed 37
years at Chrysler Corp. in New Castle as a tool and die designer. He was
chairman of the Die Sinker Apprentice program at Chrysler. During World War
II, he worked in Los Angeles for ALCOA designing aircraft parts.
Roland was a man of
many talents. He could build, repair and refurbish most anything. He
particularly enjoyed restoring classic cars and collecting and refinishing
antique furniture and clocks. He enjoyed sports, music, singing and dancing
and once won a Charleston contest at Coney Island in Cincinnati. He and his
wife were dance partners well into their 90s. They celebrated their 75th
wedding anniversary just a week ago on Oct. 13.
His memberships
included the Twenty/Thirty Club in Los Angeles and, in New Castle, the Elks
Club, Community Foundation and First Presbyterian Church.
Roland believed that
his purpose was to provide for others, particularly his family. He designed
and with his own hands, built the home in which his family found joy and
comfort for 48 years. He was especially proud of the comforts and security he
gave his wife and the college educations he made possible for his daughters
"without a bank loan."
Throughout his long
life, Roland demonstrated his compassion, gentleness and strength to everyone
he met. No one was a stranger. He greeted those he knew with a hug or
handshake and was quick to notice where there was a need. He always was
anxious to reach out to help anyone regardless of race, social or economic
status or life circumstance by providing encouragement, prayer, a meal,
transportation or financial assistance.
Roland was the
patriarch of the family -- the rock upon which each could rely. The family
feels blessed to have had him in their lives. Included are wife Waneta, to
whom Roland was completely devoted; his grateful daughters, Diane Robbin of
Chapel Hill,
N.C. and Susan Nuss of
Zionsville; sons-in-law, David Robbin and Bill Nuss; grandchildren (to whom
he was "Boompa") Scott Starbuck, Margot Starbuck, Jeff Lantz,
Jennifer Moyers and their spouses and great grandchildren, Teague, Ethan,
Zoe, Rollie, Abhi, Evan, Mason, Eli, Cash, Eliana and Katriel.
He sacrificed to
better the lives of his family and was proud of each of them. He will live on
in spirit and inspiration through them. Among their favorite memories are
summers at Lake Wawasee, sharing popcorn and chocolate sundaes, holiday
traditions, family celebrations, singing in church, dancing, his sweet blue
eyes and his mischievous smile. He taught many life lessons and what is
important in becoming a good person.
The family is most
appreciative of the personal care, affection, humor and security that their
"angel" and Roland's granddaughter, Jennifer Moyers, gave him over
his last several years. She lovingly stepped into the role of caregiver
allowing Roland and her grandmother Waneta to have the joy and dignity of
remaining comfortable and independent.
"Fortunate is the
man who loves and is loved."
Services will be noon
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, 1202 Church St., New
Castle, IN 47362. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may
call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the La Mar Fund at the First Presbyterian
Church, Big Brothers/Sisters of Greater Indianapolis, and Smile Train with
envelopes available at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to
Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. A celebration of Roland's life
will also be held at Marquette Retirement Living in Indianapolis at a later
date. You may express condolences or share a memory at Roland at www.hinsey-brown.com.
Oct. 20, 2012
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