Rolland Earl Hardy, 83 of Austin, Minn. died Sunday morning, March 18, 2012, at the Owatonna Care Center in Owatonna. He was born Nov. 5, 1928, in Austin to Charles and Mildred (Davis) Hardy. He attended Austin High School, graduating in 1947. On Aug. 20, 1949, Rolland was united in marriage to Ruth Ellickson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minn. Ruth passed away in December 2011.

Rolland worked for the Hormel Company for over 40 years as a time keeper. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, water skiing, and traveling with his family. Spending time with his family was very important to Rolland, especially time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He lovingly cared for his wife Ruth for over 20 years after she suffered a stroke.

Survivors include his children Diane (Duane) Delaney of Austin, Richard (Margaret) Hardy of Santa Barbara, Calif., David (Jean) Hardy of Dodge Center, Minn., Thomas (Kathy) Hardy of Austin; 11 grandchildren, Angela, Brett, Scott, Laura, Matthew, Sarah, Michael, Kevin, Michelle, Dylan, Megan; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers Bill (Darlene) Hardy and Bob (Darlene) Hardy, both of Austin, Chuck (Pat) Hardy of Bloomington, Minn.; sisters Joyce (Gene) Orth of Albert Lea, Barb Hardy of Holland, Mich. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents Charles and Mildred and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor Randy Hardy officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.