ROLLIN JAMES POCHOP

AUGUST 14, 1940 – JULY 22, 2024

Rollin was a loving husband to Carol (nee Thilking), his wife of nearly 58 years, a devoted father to Mike (Julie) Pochop and Lisa (Martin Augustine) and relished in his role as Grampy to Christine (Zach Flessner), James, Andrew, Jacob, Seth and Mahlon. He was also great-Grampy to Rylee and Tanner. He leaves behind a large extended family, including his brother Jeff (Susie) Pochop and sister Joelle (Bill Curran); cousins, nieces and nephews (including many greats). He could light up a room with a big smile and was known for his joking ways and stories.

Rollin was born in Sioux Falls, SD to the late Joe and Phyllis Pochop. He graduated from Washington High School in 1958, Drake University in 1962 and served three years in the U.S. Army. After the Army, Rollin moved to Detroit and then to St. Louis to marry Carol. They had met a few years earlier at Drake.

Rollin and Carol raised Mike and Lisa in a home filled with faith, love and learning. They took family road trips all across the country. There were swim meets, hockey games, cross country meets, volleyball and soccer games. And there were always Cardinals and Blues games on tv.
During his years in the St. Louis area, Rollin worked for McDonnell Douglas and EDS in project manager roles. Later, he was chief information officer for Lutheran Hour Ministries. He also served in various positions, including president of the congregation, during his membership at St. John Lutheran – Ellisville. For a time, he joyfully sang in the choir.

As the family grew, he told Carol they should buy a lake house, to make sure the kids and grandkids visited. They first shared a lake home with dear friends Jere and Carol Callisto and later built their beautiful home on the water, where they lived from 2006 until earlier this year.

As a member of Christ the King in Lake Ozark, MO, Rollin served in a variety of ways, often going to the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays to do whatever he could. Rollin and Carol also enjoyed volunteering on Mondays and Wednesdays at Hope House of Miller County. Rollin would stack shelves and break down boxes in the food pantry while Carol helped the family's shop.

During those beautiful years at the lake, Rollin was our boat captain. He spent hours pulling skiers and tubers behind the boat, just cruising the lake or swimming off the dock. A dock with the best high dive. And even though his grandkids are older now, they will always believe that the best Grampy burgers were only possible if they were made with dirty hands. His strong faith, kindness and enduring love for his family will live in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Walter and Emma Thilking and grandson James Pochop.

Visitation at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 700 NE Chipman Road, Lee's Summit, MO, is scheduled for July 30, 2024 at 11:00am, followed by a funeral service at noon. Burial will be the following day for immediate family at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Ellisville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope House of Miller County https://hopehouseofmillercounty.com/how-can-i-help/

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278