Rolland R. Meinholtz

Rolland R (Rolly) Meinholtz passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on June 3rd, 2025 of natural causes. In his last days he was surrounded by family, friends, and music. Rolly was born in Oklahoma City on August 20th, 1937 to Cordia Marie Dill and later adopted by Herbert (Meiny) and Hallie Meinholtz.

Rolly was a loving father of 2, grandfather (Opa) of 9. He was married to Nathalie Hamond for 12 years and Peggy( Dodson) Meinholtz for 53 years.

Rolly got his BA in Speech and Drama from Northwestern University, MA in Theatre from University of Washington. He taught in grade schools and high schools before becoming faculty at Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe from 1964 to 1970. Rolly joined the faculty of the University of Montana Drama Department in 1970. And retired in 1992. He was an actor and director with The Montana Repertory Theatre where he played Vershinin in Chekhov's Three Sisters and Claudius in Hamlet. He directed Guys & Dolls among other shows and played Emile De Becque in South Pacific and Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha for the UM Summer Theatre. Rolly was adjudicator for the American College Theatre Festival in the late 70s and early 80s serving as regional director in 82-83.

Rolly was cofounder with Rowan Conrad of Missoula Open Way Sangha. He was cofounder with Robert Green of Two Valley Stage which brings performing artists to the schools and public in Seeley Lake and Swan Valley. Both organizations continue today.

Rolly loved to sing in choirs. In college, he sang with the Chicago Symphony Choral. He enjoyed singing with the Missoula Symphony Choral, Missoula Community Choir, and the University Congregational Church Choir. He was embraced by the UCC Choir and congregation. He was so glad to be able to sing the Rudder Glory with them this past Easter.

Rolly is survived by his wife Peggy Dodson Meinholtz of Missoula, daughter Lisa K. Fox, Missoula, son Rod Meinholtz, Missoula, sister Harriet Galloway, Illinois, brother Mark Francis, Illinois, and grandchildren Klarissa, Karalee, Cala, Brendan and Braiden Meinholtz, Daniel C Shultz, Lynda Olivarez, Lucas and Dylan Wetzel ,and 4 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Rolly's birthday August 20, 2025 at the University Congregational Church, 405 University Ave Missoula, Montana at 11:00 AM.