Todd G. Rolling

It is with great sadness we announce the death of our beloved brother and son, Todd G. Rolling. Todd passed away on April 8, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 58.  

Fifty-eight years ago, when Todd was born, a child with Down Syndrome was considered a tragedy, a child that would never be able to walk, talk or learn to read and write.  Todd was given the love, support and care he needed to live a happy and fulfilling life.  This little earth-bound angel turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to our family. Todd had had a huge impact on everyone he met throughout his life. He touched so many lives and taught us what unconditional love really means.

Todd was the oldest of four siblings and was given every opportunity to reach his full potential.   He started school at age 3 and enrolled at Camp Pow Wow every summer.  Todd played basketball and baseball through Special Olympics and loved to bowl in a league every Saturday.  He graduated from Fairview South High School in 1986. After graduation, Todd worked at Wendy’s in Waukesha for 13 years, cleaning tables and restocking supplies in the dining room.  He moved on to work at the Waukesha Training Center and then Easter Seals.  In 2018, Todd attended the Wisconsin Adult Center day program which he called “work.”  He enjoyed spending time with his friends watching movies and making crafts.

Todd had a passion for doing the things he loved.  He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers fan and kept scores on his endless collection of 3x5 cards.  He enjoyed watching WWE for decades and had posters of his favorite wrestlers to prove it. Todd owned a prolific collection of DVDs and records.   He listened to music daily, including some of the all-time greats like Sha-Na-Na, Kenny Rogers, and Johnny Cash. Todd never passed up an opportunity to play Uno and was a fierce competitor who often won.

Todd was preceded in death by his beloved mother Dawn C. Rolling.  He is survived by his father Timothy Rolling (Shirley) Rolling and siblings Debbie (Todd) Merrill, Thad (Jane) Rolling and Dona Drew (Tim Jantz); and eight nephews and nieces (Catalina, Ava, Erin, Emily, Molly, Christopher, Geramiah and Tristin).

The family is eternally grateful to the multitude of teachers, nurses, doctors, caregivers and friends who supported him on the journey of life. Thank you to all the staff at Victoria House for treating Todd with dignity and giving him a forever home after his mother passed. Thank you to everyone for your care and support.

A celebration of life will be held on June 29, 2024 at Tuscan Hall in Waukesha, 409 Delafield Street, from 1pm until 4pm.  A blessing will be given by Deacon Peter Burek at 1:30pm with a light reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Creative Community Living Service, Inc. in Todd’s honor. The address is: 500 E. Main St. Watertown, WI 53094 or https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_3ce38ac0-d3ce-11e8-94a1-0a7fa948a058&WidgetId=48128