Giles L. Roehl

 Giles L. Roehl, 84, died on Jan. 12, 2021. A graveside service and burial took place at Bellingham City Cemetery in Bellingham on May 27.  Roehl had a long, fruitful career as a leader, educator, innovator, builder and pioneer. He taught agriculture in Sleepy Eye for more than 20 years.  In the 1970’s he pioneered the Cottonwood River Vocational Center, an innovative vo-tech school that brought together students from five nearby communities. After 20 years as a high school educator, Roehl served the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University as a County Extension Agent for nearly 20 more years. During those years he traveled internationally, working with educators and government leaders in Asia, Europe and Belize.