Roland ‘Boots’ Froyen

Roland “Boots” Froyen, age 85, of Minnetonka and formerly of Annandale, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at Havenwood of Minnetonka. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Annandale with Pastor Todd Nelsen officiating. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Honor Boots by memorizing a poem or consider a contribution to an environmental or social justice cause. Roland Jay Froyen was born April 24, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Elmer and June (Hansen) Froyen. He grew up in Minneapolis and Annandale, graduating from Annandale High School with the Class of 1955. He continued his education at St. Olaf College, earning a bachelor of arts degree. On Dec. 27, 1959, Boots was united in marriage to Constance “Tulla” Kahl at Boe Memorial Chapel at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Together, they owned and operated Maple Hill Resort on Clearwater Lake from 1963 to 1997. Boots also taught high school English at John Marshall High School in Rochester, St. Cloud Tech and Apollo High Schools in St. Cloud. Boots was a much-loved teacher and his impact on his students’ lives is immeasurable. He was active in the Clearwater Watershed District, Northstar Rail, and local Democratic politics. Boots enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, poetry, and theater, especially Shakespeare. He was curious, outgoing, a poor but enthusiastic musician, and loved a good nap. He is survived by his wife, Tulla, of Minnetonka; daughters, Kristin (Douglas) White of Minneapolis, Sara (Steven) Gernbacher of Annandale, and Sonja Froyen (Dale Carlson) of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Seth, Marit, Aidan, Connor, Greta, and Samantha; and many relatives – here and in Norway – colleagues, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and June Froyen. The urn bearers will be Boots’ grandchildren. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale. The obituary, tribute wall, video tribute and service webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.