Rolland Kenneth Riley
October 04, 2022
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Service Details
Rolland K. Riley, 78, passed away on October 4, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2022 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A Celebration of Life will follow at 5:00 p.m. at Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway in Des Moines.
Rolland was born February 27, 1944 to Edith and Vernon Riley in San Francisco, CA. He graduated from Hillsdale High school in San Mateo where he had the honor of playing football for coach Dick Vermeil who went on to win a Super Bowl with the St Louis Rams.
After high school Rolland joined the United States Marine Corps serving our country during Vietnam. Arriving in Iwakuni Japan in 1964, he transferred to Da Nang in 1965. He spent a total of 18 months overseas, nine months in Japan and nine months in Viet Nam.
Rolland was a very proud Marine and was also a dedicated member of the United States Marine Corp League in Des Moines. In 2020 he was named Marine of the Year for the Midwest Region. Rolland never stopped being a Marine – once a Marine, always a Marine.
After graduating from Governors State University with a Master’s degree in Business, Rolland began his career in mortgage banking with jobs in Chicago and later South Bend, Indiana. In 1984 Rolland moved to Des Moines to serve as President of Hawkeye Bancorporation Mortgage Company. In 1987 he founded Allied Group Mortgage. As President and CEO, his focus was on investments and loan servicing. The company serviced over a billion dollars in loans. He retired in 2003.
One of his many passions was cooking and he loved sharing his talents by cooking for family and friends. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed celebrating St Patrick's Day by cooking a corned beef and cabbage feast.
He kept his mind sharp by creating a daily newsletter focusing on economic trends. He also was an adjunct instructor at Simpson College for years, teaching finance and economics.
When Rolland retired he made the comment that maybe he should go back to work so he wouldn’t be so busy! Since retirement he has dedicated himself to his grandchildren, Brit (Steve), Maddy (Austin), Jordan (Josh), Nate (Sam), CK, Matt (Zoie), Natalie, Rachel, Drew, Sarah, Katie, Nolan, Brendan, Sophie, Audrey, Leo and Romy; great -grandchildren, Smith, Charlie, Sullivan and Roam.
In his spare time Rolland enjoyed classical guitar, taekwondo, cooking, golf, country music, walks with Carol, political shows, his cats, Harry Potter books, wine, whiskey, travel, and sharing stories.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Hibbs; his daughter Kim Riley; his sons, Robert Riley (Angela) and Brian Riley (Emily);step- son, Jim Hibbs (Cynthia); and son-in-law, Steve Galluzzo.
He was predeceased by daughter, Jennifer Lynn Galluzzo and his parents.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the following charities in memory of Rolland Riley to:
Planned Parenthood https://www.weareplannedparenthood.com,
ACLU of Iowa https://www.aclu-ia.org or Marine Toys for Tots https://www.toysfortots.org
Online condolences can be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
William P. Braun
12/06/2022
My condolences to Rolland's family
and friends. Rolland's Father Vernon was married to my mother, Olive in Weed California in 1958. Vernon passed away in 1992. Rolland and his wife and children attended the funeral. If you would like any more information, contact me by e-mail.
Ronni Begleiter
10/10/2022
Carol and family, I was so sorry to hear of Rollands death. I enjoyed working with him (and with you) when your Mother passed, and I admired his kindness, his intelligence and his obvious love of you and your family. He was a good man.
Nan Burke
10/09/2022
The evening of the day of Rolland's passing, we were hunting through the liquor cabinet for some applejack for our fondue (we ran out of kirsch), and found this numbered bottle of Port in the back. It was a Christmas gift some years back from Rolland and Carol, who'd taken a trip to Napa. Not knowing what to do with it, we'd shelved it there and unfortunately had forgotten it. Rolland, a rare vintage himself (a real original - no doubt the only ONE of his vintage!), had sent us a message from beyond. Most likely a dunning letter about proper storage of wines, but also a reminder to the living that you only live once, and never forget to make a toast to all of those you love. Cheers, Rolland! Take care of Jennifer for us! (And, no, I have no idea yet if this port has survived its long storage. It is in a wine rack now.)
Deb Iglehart
10/08/2022
Rolland was one of a kind! I admired him so much. He had a brilliant mind and fun sense of humor. He was a caring person that loved his family and his Country. He will be missed by the many lives he touched. Condolences to Carol and family. Deb and Denny Iglehart
Jerry and Elisabeth Morvillo
10/07/2022
Dear Carol, and family.
We are deeply sorry for this tragic loss. Rolland was a very kind , and gracious man.
He will be missed . Our love , and prayers .
Kris and Kelly Van Pelt
10/06/2022
Carol and family, we are so saddened for your loss. Rolland is/was an awesome person and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kris and Kelly Van Pelt