Rolland James DeGard

December 8, 1947
August 13, 2023

Rolland James DeGard was a musician for 63 years, and a father to his two daughters, Jessica DeGard and Ashley DeGard. Those who knew him always said he was a true musician, and that his daughters were his world.
Toby decided to pick up music after hearing Little Richard on the radio at the age of 11. He described to his oldest daughter, Jessica, that a feeling came through him, and he knew music was his destined pursuit in life. He saved up enough money, and bought his first guitar. Completely self-taught, Toby entered the music scene in his teen years. The rest is history, as he travelled across the Midwest, the South, and the East Coast with his band. He experienced life in the 60s and 70s while on the road. He met the mother of his children, Jeri Vodhanel, while playing for a well-known band called The Riptones. Shortly after, they raised their two daughters together, while Toby continued his music career.
Besides music, Toby was a gearhead, and loved all things speed and adrenaline. If not music, he would have pursued racing professionally, as his father Charles DeGard and uncle introduced him to the sport at a young age. Toby fondly recalled his deep friendships with the Bettenhausens, and his experiences racing with them and his family.
In 1975, many thought Toby’s racing and music careers would come to an end after he fell victim to a parking lot robbery. While escaping from his armed assailants, his right arm was shot and later amputated by Cook County doctors during an emergency surgery.
Being the man he was, Toby’s determination and strong will would not let this stop him. He knew he could still play music and race. He knew he could still do everything he did with one arm. He knew it, even when no one else could see it yet. Through faith, ambition, and loving family and friends, Toby didn’t miss a beat, and lived the best life anyone could have.
He was a loving father to his daughters, and encouraged them to always follow their passions. He was always there for them, and spoke very highly of them to anyone who even began to mention their name. They truly were the success of his life, and his proudest achievements.
Those who were friends of Toby, knew how caring and understanding he could be. He always took an interest in what others were doing, and stayed in touch, watering his friendships like the plants in his yard that he took care of, even to his last days.
Toby will be truly missed.

Tribute Wall

Bonnie Jensen
Jessica & Ashley, You have lost a great dad and he loved very much. Was always there for both of you to be a friend, a supporter, adviser and just somebody you could talk to. Remember “ every time you think of him and you smile means you were raised by a great Dad.” I love both. Grandma Bonnie
August 27 / 2023
Jessica DeGard
August 26 / 2023
Jim Dixon
Tope...the racer! Toby...my friend You were always "up for it". Road trip points north to help me look for tools (and keep me out of trouble) or out to Arizona to catch a blues festival. You almost always said "sure, I'll go". Best company in the world! I loved listening to you talk about hanging out with the Bettehausen brothers when Indy cars came up. You did life with passion and purpose. Shaking off the things you couldn't change and simply getting on with it. You are an inspiration Toby and I selfishly miss you. But I know you are at peace and am comforted by that. I'll see you on the next one my brother! Love you always, Jim
August 25 / 2023
Jessica DeGard
Love and miss you deeply Dad. You will always be with us.
August 25 / 2023
Anonymous
August 25 / 2023
Uncle Mike, Aunt Julie, Grandma Bonnie and Mom Jeri
Just a little something knowing this will be a difficult time. Cherish your memories with your dad.
August 25 / 2023
Anonymous
With love from Uncle Mike, Aunt Julie, Grandma Bonnie and Mom Jeri. Hoping the flowers bring a bright light to this sorrowful time.
August 25 / 2023
James Hilzman
Remembering Rolland James DeGard in our minds and in our hearts... an honor to have known you and have been able to share great moments with you.
August 24 / 2023
Marsha Mays
My faraway car loving faraway friend I will surely miss the funny comments when I would post my car show pictures when I would trek from Escondido to shows in the Inland Empire Rest in Peace Toby
August 24 / 2023
Anita Kukuk
Mary, you pretty much summed it up, all I wanted to say! I know that everyone who knew Toby, loved him! You couldn't ask for a better guy! Positive, inspirational, and a great sense of humor! We will all miss that guy!
August 22 / 2023

Tribute Wall

The obituary has no messages

Tribute Wall

Bonnie Jensen
Jessica & Ashley, You have lost a great dad and he loved very much. Was always there for both of you to be a friend, a supporter, adviser and just somebody you could talk to. Remember “ every time you think of him and you smile means you were raised by a great Dad.” I love both. Grandma Bonnie
August 27 / 2023
Jessica DeGard
August 26 / 2023
Jim Dixon
Tope...the racer! Toby...my friend You were always "up for it". Road trip points north to help me look for tools (and keep me out of trouble) or out to Arizona to catch a blues festival. You almost always said "sure, I'll go". Best company in the world! I loved listening to you talk about hanging out with the Bettehausen brothers when Indy cars came up. You did life with passion and purpose. Shaking off the things you couldn't change and simply getting on with it. You are an inspiration Toby and I selfishly miss you. But I know you are at peace and am comforted by that. I'll see you on the next one my brother! Love you always, Jim
August 25 / 2023
Jessica DeGard
Love and miss you deeply Dad. You will always be with us.
August 25 / 2023
Anonymous
August 25 / 2023
Uncle Mike, Aunt Julie, Grandma Bonnie and Mom Jeri
Just a little something knowing this will be a difficult time. Cherish your memories with your dad.
August 25 / 2023
Anonymous
With love from Uncle Mike, Aunt Julie, Grandma Bonnie and Mom Jeri. Hoping the flowers bring a bright light to this sorrowful time.
August 25 / 2023
James Hilzman
Remembering Rolland James DeGard in our minds and in our hearts... an honor to have known you and have been able to share great moments with you.
August 24 / 2023
Marsha Mays
My faraway car loving faraway friend I will surely miss the funny comments when I would post my car show pictures when I would trek from Escondido to shows in the Inland Empire Rest in Peace Toby
August 24 / 2023
Anita Kukuk
Mary, you pretty much summed it up, all I wanted to say! I know that everyone who knew Toby, loved him! You couldn't ask for a better guy! Positive, inspirational, and a great sense of humor! We will all miss that guy!
August 22 / 2023