Sean Roller

Sean Gregory Roller was born one month prematurely to Vernon and Bernadette (Hoffner) Roller in Bismarck, ND on March 21, 1975. His life ended at Sanford Health on February 24, 2024, with his parents by his bedside. He was 48 years old.

Sean lived the first four years of his life in Bismarck, then moved to Lincoln, ND until 1995, when he returned to Bismarck. He began his special education at BECEP and later attended Riverside Elementary, Saxvik Elementary, Rita Murphy Elementary, Simle Junior High, and then graduated from Bismarck High School in 1996. 

Since 1995 Sean received habilitation and residential services from Enable, Inc. He lived in an Independent Supported Living Arrangement, where he had his own apartment, and four neighbors nearby. This was an ideal setting for Sean, as he could choose his interactions with others. His favorite place to visit, though, was his parents’ house, once a month, to spend the night.

Sean was baptized at St. Alexius Hospital shortly after birth and again later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He attended CCD classes at Corpus Christi Catholic Church and was confirmed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. He received Last Rites after birth and before death.

Sean was not expected to survive after birth, but what a life he had! He was raised with two younger brothers, Jamie and Dana. Sean’s sister Nicole died when he was four. Numerous trips were made to Grandpa Leo and Grandma Arlene’s farm near Esmond. He especially loved harvest when he got to ride in the grain truck with Uncles Bates and Mickey. He took a train trip to Glasgow, MT with Grandma Minnie. Family was very important to Sean. He wanted to spend all holidays with them. He even had a private phone line at his apartment to stay in touch with Mom and Dad, at any time, by pressing the number 1. 

Some of Sean’s favorite things were his transistor radio and headphones, music, talk radio, stuffed animals, Diet Mountain Dew, fast food, dollar stores, trains, horses, movies, and drives to Lincoln, McDowell Dam, and the Missouri River. He thrived on routine and schedules. His long-term memory was excellent! Besides family, important people in Sean’s life were ‘girlfriend’ Amber and Enable, Inc. staff Roxann and Corey. Special thanks to them for caring for Sean when Mom and Dad weren’t there. 

Sean will be missed immensely by many. He was a unique and special individual. Survivors include his parents, Vernon and Bernadette, Bismarck; brothers, Jamie (pet dog, Wrinkles), Bismarck, and Dana (Heather), Sycamore, IL; nephew and niece, Leo and Jade Roller, Sycamore, IL; extended family include his aunts and uncles, Marvin Roller, Larry (Coleen) Roller, Terry (Tracy) Hoffner, Jady (Karla) Hoffner, Todd (Melodee) Hoffner, Karen Hoffner, and several cousins. 

Sean was preceded in death by his sister, Nicole; grandparents, Lawrence and Minnie Roller and Leo and Arlene Hoffner; uncles, Patrick Roller, Bernard Roller, Gregory Hoffner, and Michael Hoffner; cousins, Monte Hoffner and Mara Hoffner; and pet dog, Maggie.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2 at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 825 E Broadway, Bismarck. Visitation will be held one hour prior.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7 p.m.

Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.