Megan Rollag, 17

A funeral service for Freeman 17-year-old Megan Rollag will be held Friday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Freeman High School gym, which will be followed by a time of food and fellowship at the Salem MB Church. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Walter’s Funeral Home.

Megan Rollag, age 17, passed away on Dec. 2, 2023.

Megan was born on May 12, 2006, to Shane Rollag and Tabitha Schoenwald in Sioux Falls, S.D. From the very beginning, she brought immeasurable joy and love into the lives of those around her. She departed this world unexpectedly, leaving behind a community in shock and grief and a void in the hearts of all who loved her.

She was a senior at Freeman Jr. Sr. High school and was anxiously awaiting graduation to see where life would lead. Horses, and animals in general, were a true passion of Megan. She was a successful rider and with the guidance of her equestrian aunt, Vanessa, she placed with top honors at horse shows throughout her time with The Originals 4-H Club. Cowgirl was Megan’s trusty steed and “personal therapist.”  In her journaling, she mentioned that Cowgirl “means the absolute world to me.” Like others in her family, she found success and joy in music, singing in all-state chorus, performing in musicals, gaining acceptance into several honor choirs, and playing clarinet in the high school band.

Most teenagers can relate to Megan’s other passions: sleeping, listening to music — lots of music — endless snacks/energy drinks and spending time with friends. Meg was a serious procrastinator and followed in her mom and grandma’s footsteps as a night owl.

Megan was a seasoned “big sister” and loved time spent with her little sister, Emma. The photos and videos she took of them will be treasured always. In addition to her siblings, Megan enjoyed babysitting opportunities for local families. She found a dedicated friend and adventure companion in her dog, Poppy, who sadly succumbed to injuries sustained in the same car accident that took Megan.

Known for her infectious laugh and warm smile, Megan appeared quiet, but made herself heard when she had something to say. Her friends were an extension of her family, and she cherished every moment spent creating memories together.

One place Megan found true friendships was each summer at Byron Bible Camp where she had the opportunity to connect with fellow Christians. Early in life, Megan accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and was baptized on Aug. 29, 2021. She continued to grow in her relationship with Jesus while navigating teenage years. In a journal Megan stated, “I feel most like myself … when I’m with my closest friends, or at camp because I’m surrounded by loving Christians who I’ve also grown to know and love over the last seven years that I have been attending Byron Bible Camp. I usually only get to see my camp friends once a year so it’s really exciting to see them all again every year.”

Megan had been accepted into several universities with preliminary thoughts of pursuing a veterinarian degree. Her short-term goal was completing a successful senior year of high school followed by a final 4-H horse season, this summer.

Missing Megan today and always are her parents, Shane Rollag and Tabitha and Tyler Schoenwald of Freeman, S.D.; siblings Kayla Rollag of San Antonio, Texas, Cameron Rollag, Beckett Schoenwald and Emma Schoenwald, all of Freeman; grandparents Brad and Skyla Dowden of Freeman, Diane and Steve Ruby of Sioux Falls, Dean and Sheryl Schoenwald of Marion, S.D.; and a flood of aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece and extended family, too many to list. She is also remembered by countless friends; her beloved horse, Cowgirl; her 4-H Club family; the Freeman High School senior class; and others who shared in having the privilege to know her over the past 17 years.

Preceding her in death are her great-grandparents, Sam and Marjorie Hofer, Duane and Leona Dowden, Bennie and Virginia Colvin, Ferd and Rosemary Schoenwald, and Martin and Adeline Wildeboer; grandfather, Robert Rollag, aunt, Samantha Dowden and uncle Dale Rollag.

The family asks that memorials be sent in Megan Rollag’s name to her favorite place, Byron Bible Camp, 40546 South Shore Road, Huron, SD 57350.

While her family is enduring unimaginable loss, we take comfort in knowing Megan is with our Savior in Heaven. Like Megan, we wish everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus and for you all to know how much Jesus loves you and craves that relationship with you.