Rollin Bradley Metz, 57, died, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 4, 2017 in a Minot hospital following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rollin was born on July 22, 1960 in Minot to Rollin and Ione (Reimann) Metz. He was raised and educated in Minot. As a young adult he was employed as a television tower technician and home builder.

Rollie married Elaine Bonavita on March 21, 2003 in Minot, where they made their home. He was employed as the owner/manager of several retail beverage establishments. His sense of adventure took him to Antarctica, where he worked on various projects and was awarded medals and certificates by the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Navy.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church, the National Rifle Association, the American Kiting Association, and the Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association of North Dakota. Rollie's hobbies and special interests included SCUBA diving, kiting, and playing various folk instruments including the ukulele and banjo. He played the trombone in the Minot High School Band and attended the International Music Camp for several years. Rollie loved sharing his musical gifts for friends, family and the staff in the ICU/PCU. He loved flying his kites and would travel to the Nevada desert to sail his buggy on the salt flats. He also organized and hosted the MAYSA kite fly in Minot. Always with his trusty ukulele at his side.

Rollie will be remembered for his mischievous smile, quiet presence, trusty coffee mug, and wonderful sense of humor.

Rollie's loving family includes his wife of 14 years Elaine; children: Danielle Metz and Brittany (Ron) Gottus; granddaughter: Nellijun; mother: Ione Metz; sister: Leslie (Chuck) Barney; niece: Kelsey (Zach) Aller; nephew: Chris Barney; aunts and uncles: Sharon and Arnie Briggs, Marilyn and James Engel, Cleone and Gordon Roen, Jerry and Naomi Metz; and many loving cousins: mother-in-law: Carrie Bonavita; in-laws: The Bonavita, Pendergrass, & Giordano families. Rollie is also survived by his little lions Raven, Ginger and Baby Boy.

Rollie was preceded in death by his father: Rollin James Metz, and father-in-law: Michael Bonavita.

Celebration of the Life of Rollie Metz: Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church - Minot.
Interment will be in the Garrison Cemetery.
Visitation: Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.