Bast, Roland (Rollie), W.

Of Germantown passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the age of 91. He was born in Germantown on April 21, 1920, the son of Valentine and Louisa (nee Stark) Bast. He married Pearl, the love of his life, on June 6, 1942 and they had two children, Ronald (Gail) and Rochelle (Detlef Moore). Devoted grandfather of Wendy (the late David) Siedlecki and RJ (Stacey) and great-grandfather of Kaylee, Zoe and Zack. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives and long-time friends.

He was a life-long farmer in Germantown/Richfield at the Crickle Spring Farm which was honored by the state of Wisconsin in 2010 as a Century Farm. Rollie was a horse enthusiast, raising and showing draft horses as a hobby for many years. He also enjoyed annual excursions to the Kentucky Derby.

In addition to farming, Rollie was a well-known auctioneer, graduating from Reisch Auctioneers School in 1951 and beginning another life-long career in 1952.

Rollie founded Riteway Bus/GO Riteway Transportation Group in 1957 and was dedicated to his employees and customers. The company celebrates its 55^th year in business in 2012.

He was a proud and patriotic American who was dedicated to family and community. He was a 4-H leader and volunteered as a square dance caller. He had perfect attendance at Germantown Rotary Club for 40 years and was a Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient in 1980. He volunteered for the Germantown Fire Department from 1948-1998 and served as president from 1959-1984. He served on the Germantown Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors from 1975-2011; the Farmers & Merchants Bank/Associated Bank-Jackson 1972-1988; Washington County Fair Park Board 1999-2010.

Rollie supported many charitable and benefit organizations with auctioneer services including the Germantown Scholarship Auction. He was named Germantown Citizen of the Year in 1999, awarded as the Jackson-area Business Association Man of the Year in 2000, inducted into the Menomonee Falls High School Wall of Recognition in 2006 and presented with the Golden Gavel Award for 50 years as a professional auctioneer in 2007.

The family extends special thanks to Sheila Cherwink and Terry Herriges for their unwavering compassion and caregivers Monique and Sherry for their kind attention.

Rollie's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He was a joyful man with a positive outlook and an infectious laugh.