Wilbert V. Rolves, age 102 of Carlyle, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Illinois, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Mr. Rolves was born in Albers, Illinois, on February 23, 1924, a son of Frank and Anna (Schmitt) Rolves. Vince married Loretta H. Thouvenin on October 24, 1946, and she preceded him in death on December 16, 2012.
Mr. Rolves was drafted into the United States Army in 1942. Following basic training, he was assigned to the Army’s 45th Infantry Division and sent overseas, serving first in North Africa and later in Italy. On December 14, 1943, Vince was wounded in battle and captured by German forces.
For the next 18 months, Vince endured life as a prisoner of war in Germany, including imprisonment at Stalag XIII-C near Hammelburg. He and his fellow prisoners suffered through bitter cold, hunger, and severe malnutrition. Vince later recalled that he weighed 198 pounds when he was captured and just 109 pounds by the time he regained his freedom.
Near the end of the war, Vince and a small group of fellow prisoners were freed by advancing Russian troops. Still some 50 miles from American forces, the men made the journey on foot through Germany until they finally reached safety.
For his extraordinary service and sacrifice, Sgt. Rolves was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Prisoner of War Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945.
After returning home, Vince operated a trucking business, delivering coal and limestone to area farmers. He later worked as a warehouse inspector at Scott Air Force Base, retiring after 38 years of service.
Mr. Rolves was a life member of Stukenberg-Eilermann American Legion Post 1026 in Albers and Carlyle VFW Post 3523, and was also a member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, Disabled American Veterans Egyptian Gateway Chapter #76 in Centralia, and Catholic War Veterans Marion Post 1780 in Bartelso. Vince was proud to represent his fellow veterans and was honored to serve as Grand Marshal of numerous parades throughout the area. Well into his later years, he remained a familiar presence at veterans’ events and community celebrations, where his remarkable story, quick wit, and unmistakable personality made him a favorite of generations throughout the area.
Mr. Rolves is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends, and his special caregiver, Donna.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Rolves; his wife, Loretta Rolves; his sisters, Christine (Henry) Wellen, Bernadine (Ben) Wellen, Irene Rolves, and Clara Rolves; and his brothers, Henry (Virginia) Rolves, Frank (Ellen) Rolves, and Erwin (Lorena) Rolves.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church (1171 Livingston St., Carlyle), with Fr. Deva Ubbarapu and Fr. George Mauck celebrating. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home (1111 Clinton St., Carlyle) on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, and at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday, September 1, from 10:00 – 10:45 AM.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Rolves are suggested to St. Mary’s Church in the form of Masses and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
