Roger O. Pollman

Roger Orlin Pollman, 90, of Wymore passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 9, 2024. He was born on August 2, 1934 to George Pollman and Antje (Ina) Remmers at his home in rural Wymore.

Roger attended Pleasant Hill school. He spent much of his younger years helping his parents on the family farm. He developed a love for agriculture and animals which stayed with him throughout his life.

As a teenager, Roger became a local baseball star by accident. He was asked by a friend to fill in on a team that was low on players. The pitcher of the team was struggling that night. Roger had never pitched before but the coach put him in. Roger’s natural talent as a top notch pitcher was discovered. He played on several local teams and won numerous all star awards for his performance. While playing on the Lone Elm Kansas team, he garnered many fans and his games were always packed full with enthusiastic fans. He was scouted by the White Sox and invited to try out for them but was unable to due to being needed to help run the family farm.

Roger met Evelynn (Joyce) Robinson when he was 16 and she was 15. Joyce was the love of his life. They married on October 18, 1953. Their’s was a true love story that spanned over 70 years. They spent most of their married life on their farm south of Wymore. Here, they lived, farmed and raised their children Debra, Julie, Mark, Lisa and Roger Alan.

Roger was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s events especially their sporting events. He took time most summers to spend time boating and camping at Big Indian Lake with his family and friends.

Roger was a dedicated farmer. He especially took pride in raising Champion Shorthorn cattle. He worked long hours and never retired. He was still working along side his son and grandsons up until the time of his passing.

Roger was a member of Immanuel State Line Lutheran Church for his entire life. He was confirmed there in 1948 by Reverend Janssen. He was extremely active in the church. His favorite activity was putting up flags in honor of congregational members who were servicemen and had passed on. He started this tradition and helped with it every memorial day since then.

Roger enjoyed coyote hunting, cheering for Nebraska baseball and Royals baseball. In 2015, he was featured in the Nebraska NETV special “For the Love of the Game.” This was a story of small town baseball players like Roger. The segment won a Nebraska Emmy award. Through this experience Roger met friends Bob Steinkamp and Lynn Chelewski, board members of the Nebraska Hall of Fame. Roger was inducted into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017. He was so proud of this accomplishment. He loved attending the Hall of Fame Banquets each year. He was thrilled to meet baseball greats Alex Gordon, Darin Erstad and Brian Duensing through his affiliation with this organization.

Roger was known for his big warm hearted personality, sense of humor and kindness. He never knew a stranger. He had a quick wit and was known for his story telling skills. He was loved by old friends and new. He was the first to help family, friends and strangers in need. He was so loved and will be greatly missed.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Pollman, and his children, Debra (Ed) Jaros of Wymore, Julie (James) Kavanaugh of Surprise, Arizona, Mark (Shelley) Pollman of Wymore, Lisa Schultis of Diller, and Roger (Pamela) Pollman of Fairbury; grandchildren, Joshua Smith, Derek (Sarah) Smith, Jamie Smith, Joe (Andrea) Jaros, Nathan (Wendy) Jaros, Sam (Amy) Jaros, Bailey Sharp (Chris) Wendorff, Mackenzie (Klinton) Sharp, Blake (Jen) Pollman, Evan Pollman, Justin (Heather) Schultis, Jessa Schultis, Katie Schultis, Adam Schultis, Trevor Meyer, Trenton (Miranda) Pollman, Shelby (Caleb) Stapaulus, and Sidney (Christian) Martinez; great grandchildren, Tyler, Rilee, Abby, Eliza, Madi, Brynley, Peyton, Judah, Dane, Knox, Josie, Cairo, Madison, Elias, Alex, Adeline, Kaden, Blaine, Hunter, Chezney, Elle, Bennett, Elise, Lauren, Reece, Maya, Daniel, and Payton; brother-in-law, Joe Ed (Bev) Robinson; sister-in-law, Norma Robinson; several nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin Pollman; sister, Ruby (Hank) Huls; son-in-law, Aaron Schultis; parents-in-law, Joe and Evelynn Robinson; brother-in-law, Johnny Robinson; and sister-in-law, Gloria (Wayne) Weyer.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Immanuel "Stateline" Lutheran Church. Burial will be at the Immanuel "Stateline Lutheran Cemetery. A family prayer service will begin at 10:15 AM. The body will lie in state at the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM with the family greeting relatives and friends from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame with the funeral home in charge.

In memory of Roger, we invite you to share your photos and memories and view his video tribute and funeral service on his memorial page at www.ghchapel.com. Roger's spirit will live on in each memory shared and every photo uploaded, reminding us all of his humble nature, dedicated work ethic, and supportive love.

These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.