Adler E. Roelli, 3-½ year old son of John and Rhonda (Anderson) Roelli of rural Darlington passed away on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 surrounded by his family.   Adler succumbed to his courageous battle with cancer.  He was born March 11, 2014 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.
Adler is survived by his parents John and Rhonda Roelli of rural Darlington; his two sisters: Marta (8) and McKenna (6) Roelli at home; maternal grandparents: Russell and Kathleen Anderson of Wisconsin Rapids; paternal grandparents: Greg and Mary Roelli of rural Darlington; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Even though Adler was taken from his family and friends at a young age, he touched many hearts in his short time by living by the expression of “I love everyone.” The saying started at one of his favorite places, King Family Daycare, when the children were trying to get him to pick his best friend. He already had a best friend, his favorite blanket, Pinky. Pinky is his blanket that Marta gave him the day he came home from the hospital after he was born. It was the one that he got attached to and has not left his side since. His blanket collection has grown to over thirty.
Adler and his sisters enjoyed playing with his collection of fire trucks, Paw Patrol toys, house, and painting. Through his treatment course, Adler passed the time with his Max and Ruby cartoons and always had a smile for his nurses. He never complained about being in isolation, feeling miserable after chemo, or having his port accessed.
Even though Adler was not able to get out and farm, he enjoyed taking car rides with Nana to observe and watch farming videos with his Dad. He commented one day during our trips to Madison that he wanted to grow up, become a mom, drink coffee with his mom, and drive a car. One of his other favorite things to do was make sure that Marta and McKenna were in bed on time, had practiced piano, and done their homework. He became another mom to them; and there was nothing cuter than watching them snap into action when he made a request.
A funeral service was held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church (1302 Clay Street, Darlington, WI 53530) where Rev. Craig Simenson officiated. Burial was in Union Grove Cemetery. A visitation was held Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church and again on Saturday from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church.  The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
We would like to thank our families, especially our parents for all of their help with everything from the day that Adler was diagnosed. Adler received great care from the staff at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison. His team did everything they could for him; especially our primary nurses Miss Jenny and Miss Allyson. A special thank you to my co-workers at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, especially my little OR family. There was no hesitation in knowing that I needed to be with Adler instead of at work. Thank you to the hospital and the community for the financial support with the Easter Auction at the hospital and the Bunny Hop Run Walk.
There have been endless amounts of love and support from so many people rooting for recovery for the strongest little hero. Financial donations, phone calls, text messages, cards, gifts, food, and support from our entire family did not go unnoticed. Thank you.