Submitted by: Dan Rich

Roland R. Light

July 31, 1916 - Oct. 12, 2008

South Bend Tribune 10/15/2008
MISHAWAKA - Roland R. Light, 92, passed away at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2008, in the Sunset House, Mishawaka. Mr. Light was born on July 31, 1916, in Mishawaka, to the late Edward and Mary Ellen (Criger) Light. He remained a lifelong resident of Mishawaka and South Bend. On July 10, 1942, in Mishawaka, he married the former Helen Berniece Potter, who preceded him in death on May 1, 2005. One grandson, Randy E. Light, two sons-in-law, Jerry Kenna and James Rogacki, and one sister, Florence Evelyn Schrader, have all preceded him in death. Mr. Light is survived by three daughters, Mary Ellen Kenna of Mishawaka, Karen S. Rogacki of South Bend and Linda K. (Bill) Bradley of Osceola; a son, Randy E. (Elaine) Light of Warren, OH; nine grandchildren, Jerry A. (Miya) Kenna, Colleen K. (Art) Kenna, Matthew J. Kenna, Robin R. (John) Scaro, Cory J. (Tracey) Mast, Aaron M. Mast, Michelle K. (Dwayne) Burger, Allison N. (Steve) Saul and Adam M. (Becky) Light; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Light worked in the trucking industry for 30 years as a traffic manager. He was employed with Clemens Trucking Company for 20 years and retired on July 31, 1981, from Hover Trucking Company following 10 years of service. Mr. Light has been a longtime member of the Fellowship Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. As a child, Roland was runner-up in the National Spelling Bee Championship and was honored by a trip to Washington, D.C., where he was able to shake hands with President Herbert Hoover. Mr. Light was also a talented musician playing the drums, saxophone, piano, organ and xylophone. His greatest accomplishment was his family and he was the king. A die-hard Cubs fan, we were hoping that this was the year.