Rollo Jay Nesset, MD, 92, retired orthopedic surgeon, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Kildeer on September 24, 2023.

Rollo was a proud United States Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he earned his medical degree. While completing his residency in Galveston, Texas, he met his wife, Tommie, in a chance encounter in the hospital elevator. They married on July 22, 1967. Rollo cherished 55 beautiful years of marriage until Tommie’s passing in December 2022.

In 1968, Rollo joined the staff at Northwest Community Hospital and Alexian Brothers Medical Center while starting his orthopedic practice, which spanned 50 years. Rollo had a gift for healing. He embraced the challenge of a complex trauma as well as the simple act of setting a cast for a neighborhood friend at the kitchen sink. He thought deeply and cared about all of his patients. His introspective nature earned him the reputation of “The Thinker.”

Rollo’s natural curiosity for life and love of good adventure led him to heliskiing in Canada, barefooting in the Navy Pier Waterski Show, and bombing down mountains in Colorado as he famously called out “Geronimo!” Rollo cherished the friendships he made throughout his life, including his mischievous fraternity brothers, his beloved neighbors, and his fellow physicians. His natural athleticism led him to many friendly competitions on the tennis courts. On sailing trips, Rollo and his sailing mates launched water balloons between boats.

An avid fisherman, the celebrated story of the biggest fish Rollo ever caught took place in Nacogdoches, Texas, around midnight one summer. When returning to the lake house, anxious to show off his Big Bass to the family, Rollo held the fish high. He missed the dock and fell in the water, but he didn’t lose his Big Bass or his Big Smile!

Rollo was endlessly proud of his family and friends, yet retained his humble demeanor. His love of life could be seen as he shared a quick-witted remark at dinner or convinced the band to play just one more song.

Rollo is survived by his loving children, Nena Nesset, Anna (Taylor) Ripley, and Jonathan Nesset; grandchildren who affectionately called him “Bubs,” Roby, Jake, and Savannah Lee Ripley. Rollo is also survived by his children, Debbie (Jim) Empey, Steve (Nancy) Nesset and Mary (Greg) Nesset, and grandchildren, Michael and Caryn Nesset, and Taylor Empey; and by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his wife, Tommie, Rollo was preceded in death by his parents, J. Harland and Violet Nesset, and sister, Nancy Walker.

Visitation will be Friday, October 6, 2023 from 5 PM until 8 PM at St. Michael Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Avenue, Barrington, IL 60010. Funeral service will be on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11 AM at the church. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington.

Saturday
October 7, 2023
11:00 AM
St. Michael's Episcopal Church
647 Dundee Avenue
Barrington, IL 60010