WAR SERVICE NEWS.
Enrolled in preflight school at the San Antonio aviation cadet center with the latest class were 166 cadets from Iowa, who are now undergoing a rigorous course designed to fit them for the controls of America’s war planes. After successful completion of the studies, they will be sent on for more training in flying schools and finally will be awarded the silver wings of a pilot in the air forces of this country. Included in the class were three from LeMars: Charles R. Clarke, 700 Central Ave SE; Harley J. Rollinger; LaVerne C. Varenhorst, 430 7th Ave. SW.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, August 16, 1943
SOLDIER NEWS.
Aviation Cadet Harley J. Rollinger, 20, of LeMars, has completed his basic flight training at the Coffeyville, Kan., army air field and has gone on to an advanced field where he will finish his cadet training and win his wings in the army air forces. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Rollinger of LeMars.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, January 1, 1944
PLYMOUTH COUNTYANS COMMISSIONED SECOND LIEUTENANTS
Lieut. Charles R. Clark, LeMars (Moore Field, Texas)
Lieut. Wayne Dack, LeMars (Marfa Field, Texas)
Lieut. Elvit W. Falk, LeMars (Altus Field, Oklahoma)
Lieut. Laverne H. Klemme, Akron (Pampa Field, Pampa, Texas)
Lieut. Harley J. Rollinger, LeMars (Moore Field, Texas)
Lieut. La Verne C. Varenhorst, LeMars (Lubbock Field, Texas)
Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, March 24, 1944 (Six servicemen photos included)
Harley J. Rollinger 1923-2010
Harley J. Rollinger, 87, of Hampton, IL, passed peacefully Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf surrounded by loving friends and family. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at Gibson Funeral Home, Port Byron. Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Quad City Honor Flight or the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.
Mr. Rollinger was born January 7, 1923 in LeMars, Iowa, the son of Hubert & Anna (Betten) Rollinger. He served his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a P-47 fighter pilot, flying 76 combat missions and being awarded many medals including the Purple Heart and Silver Star. He was married to his beloved wife Phyllis Kloepper in McAllen, Texas and they shared 66 years together. He graduated Iowa State University in 1948 and received his Masters Degree in Education from Western Illinois. While at Iowa State he was captain of the football team and led the nation for two years in field goal yardage. Upon graduation he was drafted by the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers but opted to coach high school football in Webster City, Iowa where he also served as athletic director until 1967 when he took the head football coaching position in Moline, Illinois. Mr. Rollinger had a renowned coaching career with a record on retirement of 172 wins, 31 losses and 7 ties.
He spent his retirement years with the love of his life, Phyllis either walking the beaches of their home on South Padre Island or watching the Mississippi River roll by from their home in Hampton, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis; daughters, Carol Rollinger, Monroe, NY and Rebecca Ohsann, Eldridge, IA; 3 grandchildren, Sarah Schaller and Elizabeth Ohsann, both of Eldridge, Zachary Ohsann, San Francisco, CA; and 3 great grandchildren, Chloe, Alex and Olivia. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Rollinger and son-in-law, Dr. Marty Ohsann.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, June 28, 2010 (photo included)
