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UPDATE:A graveside service will be held for Roland on Wednesday May 13, 2026 at 1:00pm at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet, Michigan.
Roland McKinstry, age 84, a resident of Calumet, Michigan passed away on Wednesday December 3, 2025 at his home in Calumet. Roland was born on May 15, 1941 to Lawrence J. McKinstry and Aune (Jokkela) McKinstry in Calumet, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his dear wife, Gloria (Jeanie), his parents, and his brother Ernest. He is survived by his nephew, Michael McKinstry (Peggy Pizzi), who cared for him in his last days, and niece, Debra Deiro.
He graduated from Calumet High School in 1959 and worked for a time in construction and fish cleaning. Roland attended Northern Michigan Training School for one year from 1964 to 1965 and was awarded a Certificate in Auto Mechanics. He then went on to work as a mechanic at Shallow Rambler in Portland, Michigan where he met his future wife, Gloria Jean (aka Jeanie) Havens. They were married in June of 1967 and moved back to Calumet in the fall of 1967 where he worked for Superior Ford of Calumet. Roland went to work at Northern Technical Services from 1970 to 1988 where he learned the (self-taught) machinist trade, and worked at Williams Machine from 1987 to 1989.
Michigan Technological University was his next stop from 1989 until he retired in 2006. Roland was a machinist in the electrical engineering department (Research Assistant) where his greatest joy was in befriending many international graduate students, teaching them cross-country skiing and the beauty of the Keweenaw, inviting them to his house for homemade pasty dinners (made by Gloria), and inviting them to church while telling them about Jesus and living Jesus’ example. Some even came back to visit afterwards.
After retirement, Roland and Gloria took their trained therapy dog, Bowser, to nursing homes and hospitals for three or four years. They also served with many projects and AWANA at First Baptist Church, Gitche Gumee Bible Camp, and the Copper Country Christian School. Roland was a man of many talents and enjoyed many activities such as being a mechanic/machinist (aka “fixing things”), cross-country skiing, biking, music (playing the fiddle/violin and other instruments), and being a fisherman. One of his greatest delights was that he had one dog (Skippy) that he taught to “talk.” Roland and his wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A funeral service for Roland will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11:00am at First Baptist Church in Calumet, Michigan with Pastor Tony Laidlaw to officiate. There will be a visitation one hour prior from 10:00am-11:00am at the church.
Memorial gifts may be made in Roland’s honor to First Baptist Church of Calumet.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
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