Roland "Swede" Courtney

Roland “Swede” Junior Courtney, 95, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Bussey United Methodist Church in Bussey, Iowa. Swede will be laid to rest immediately following services at Greenlawn Cemetery. The family invites guests for lunch following the burial at Bussey Community Center.

Swede was born on May 23, 1928, to John and Erma (Metz) Courtney. He attended grade school in Marysville until eighth grade, followed by Bussey HiIgh School. While in high school, Swede played football and baseball. His football team won the 6-man and 8-man conference titles. He went on to graduate in 1948.

Shortly after graduation, Swede married the love of his life, Esther Hugen on October 8, 1948. Their marriage was blessed with four children. In his younger years he worked in various different jobs. He spent time in Laramie, Wyoming, working for a cement plant, and he also worked for Weldon Coal Company. Following those jobs, he worked in a packing plant in Ottumwa. He went to work for Newman Construction in Eddyville and Des Moines, where he stayed for 17 years.

 In 1969, Swede began his career working as a custodian at Twin Cedars High School. Following his workdays, he would come home to get Esther and they would head right back to the school to cheer on their kids in every different sport they played. He and Esther always made sure they did their best to attend every game or event in which they were involved. Once their grandchildren came along, they continued the tradition of attending their events as well. He retired in 1996 after 27 faithful years. Swede cherished his time at Twin Cedars. He met countless people with whom he stayed close until his passing.

Swede is survived by his children: Ray (Bev) Courtney of Adel, Connie Wood of Bussey, Deb (Rick) Swope of Sigourney, and Steve (Bonnie) Courtney of Bussey; grandchildren: Tyler (Carrie) Courtney, Lindsay (Mike) Taylor, Heather Smith, Rod Smith, Shawn (Amy) Swope, Staci (Kyle) Arduser, Riki Breitsprecher, Mike Courtney, Evan (Shelby) Courtney, and Whitney (Doug) Harris; 29 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren with one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 67 years, Esther; sisters, Paula, Vivian, and Darlene; and his brothers, John and Bob.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Swede’s name may be directed to Twin Cedars Dollars for Scholars or Twin Cedars Athletic Department.