Roland F. Achman, 79, Avon, MN

Memorial services celebrating the life of Roland F. Achman, age 79 of Avon will be at 8 pm, Thursday, August 2nd, 2012 at the Miller Carlin Funeral Chapel in Albany. Father Corwin Collins OSB will officiate. Rollie died on Tuesday at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany. Friends and relatives may call from 5-8 pm on Thursday at the funeral home in Albany. Arrangements are being made with the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home of Albany.

Rollie was born to the late Louis and Mary (Clemens) Achman in Avon, MN. He graduated from Holdingford High School in 1952 and served in the Marines from 1953 to 1956 where he attained rank of Sergeant. He married Arlene Raetzman on September 22, 1956 in Waukegen, IL. He ran the family lumber yard in Holdingford in the 1960’s and early 70’s. In 1974 he joined his brother Sam in Alaska to mine gold. He mined gold for 20 years before acquiring a lens crafting business in Albany which he operated from 1997 to 2004.
Rollie enjoyed hunting and fishing during his early years. He had many adventures in Alaska. Rollie got his pilot’s license during his mining years and actually flew his plane to Alaska once. He was always ready with his quick wit which kept us all laughing.
Rollie is survived by his children: Warren(Sandy) Achman of Albany, Lee(Jeff) Franz of Chanhassen, DeeDee(John) Blattner of Avon, and Diane(Roberto Caccia) Achman of Boulder, CO; grandchildren Amber, Erin, Zach and Emily Achman, Kyle, Jena, Nicole, and Kelsey Franz, Jacob, Justin and Brandon Blattner, Isabella, Matteo and Elena Caccia, faithfull dog Boomer. Rollie was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlene, and brothers Louie Jr. and Sam.