Rolland "Rollie" Brownell
January 27, 2016
Rolland “Rollie” Ensley Brownell, 88, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at University Park Nursing and Rehab in Des Moines, Iowa.
Rollie was born October 6, 1927 in Greenville, Iowa to George and Agnes (Fahleen) Brownell. He was employed by the Des Moines Schools from 1960 to 1989. He taught mathematics at Weeks Junior High and East High. Rollie served as vice-principal at Harding Junior High and Des Moines Tech and principal of North High School, Des Moines Tech and Central Campus. He served as District Representative to the National Association of Secondary School Principals and as a member of the Representative Council of the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Rollie enjoyed traveling with his wife, Jo in their motorhome and loved playing bridge.
He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Campbell; son, Richard Brownell (Linda Stepp); grandchildren, Nissa (Doug) Rink, Shanna Campbell and Jason Brownell; great-grandchildren, Lucas Rink and Kenna Campbell; brother, Don (Marsha) Brownell; sister, Marian Schwartz; as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jo Brownell; parents; sister, LaVon Black; and grandchildren, Ryan and Courtney Campbell.
A memorial service will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines of Friday, February 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Paul Devin
02/04/2016
One of the finest I have known. An honest friend and an effective leader. His intelligence was only surpassed by his good heart.
Jody McCombs-Miller
02/01/2016
I was in the library at North High when Mr. Brownell was principal. I respected his way of administering and his kind and friendly manner. Jo, his wife, worked in the library for a short time and it was a pleasure to know her also. A fine couple. My sympathy to all of Mr. Brownell's family.
Gary Timmons - NHS Class of '75
01/31/2016
A great man and a great educator. He touched my life and many others at North.
Luann Rowat
01/31/2016
What a great man. I was a student at North High under his administration. May God Bless and may he be at rest now.
mark anderson
01/31/2016
Mr brownell was a great administrator and mentor of mine and will be greatly missed by many
George Hendrickson
01/30/2016
What a great man he was, a no nonsense person but defintley someone you could go to with a problem or advice. I knew him from Tech in the late 60's and always looked up to him.