Roland "Whitey" Jesser, age 59, of Underwood, N.D., died unexpectedly on Monday evening, Dec. 14, 2009, at a Bismarck hospital.

Roland was born March 22, 1950, near Underwood, to Elmer and Emma (Bader) Jesser. He was raised in Underwood and graduated from Underwood High School in 1969. Whitey worked at the Falkirk Mine for more than 30 years, most recently in the coal handling division.

He married June Keller on June 20, 1991. Whitey had two sons from a previous marriage, Aiden and Kyle Jesser. He loved wildlife and enjoyed hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. He also enjoyed sharing his guitar talent and singing with family and friends. Whitey liked to visit and was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He is remembered for always putting others before himself.

He will be greatly missed by: his wife, June Jesser, of Underwood; two sons, Aidan Jesser, of Minot, and Kyle Jesser, of Bismarck; stepdaughter, Pamala (Joe) Romance, of Minot; stepson, Westly (Stephanie) Rambough, of McFarland, Calif.; grandchildren, Aireon Jesser, Sierra Jesser, Ivan Rambough, Cyrus Romance and Joe Romance Jr.; brothers, Mike (Bev) Jesser, of Fargo, and Harlan (Candace) Jesser, of Dillon, Mont.; one sister, Laurel (Roger) Clark, of Washington state; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Whitey was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Larry Jesser.

Funeral Services: 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, Augustana Lutheran Church, Underwood, with Pastor Joel Sherer officiating.

Interment: Underwood Cemetery.

Visitation: Today, Dec. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Goetz Funeral Home in Underwood, and Friday, one hour prior to the service, at the church.

Provide condolences and sign the guestbook at (www.goetzfuneralhomes.com).