Elmer J. Rolfes
July 31, 1928 — December 3, 2015
Elmer J. Rolfes, 87, of Marion, died peacefully, Thursday, December 3, 2015, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Rosary: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2015, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion. Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 6, 2015, at the funeral home. Parish Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2015, at funeral home. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Military honors provided by American Legion Post #298, Marion.
Elmer is survived by his children, Mikayla (Sue) Rolfes of Cedar Rapids, Kevin (Fiancee Heather Smith) Rolfes of Redmond, Washington, and Geralyn (David) Lloyd of Burlington; daughter-in-law, Lynn Rolfes of Bettendorf; four grandchildren, Christina (Josh Wright) Rolfes of Cedar Rapids, Andrew Lloyd of Austin, Texas, Carmen (Fiance Tyler DeHague) Lloyd of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Hannah Lloyd of Madison, Wisconsin; two step-grandchildren, Melissa and Justin (Megan) Welch; sister-in-law, Lillian Rolfes of Calmer; and several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Cecilia; son, Jay Rolfes; and six siblings.
Elmer was born on July 31, 1928 in Reilly Ridge, Iowa to Michael H. and Frances (Sabelka) Rolfes. He attended country school, worked as a farmhand for a number of years and then served in the United States Navy beginning in 1950 for a four year term. Elmer married Cecilia Stika on May 18, 1953 in Protivin, Iowa at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was employed by Rockwell-Collins and worked as a Tool and Die Maker, retiring in 1989. Elmer was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and a 20 year member of the Honor Guard for the Pilgrim Virgin Statue.
Elmer made rosaries and was a craftsman and woodworker. He enjoyed board games, his favorite was Upwords. He also enjoyed playing cards, doing crosswords, and writing poetry. Elmer’s devotion was to Mary, the Rosary, and the Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous; 12007 190th ST Monticello, Iowa 52310 in Elmer’s memory.
Elmer is survived by his children, Mikayla (Sue) Rolfes of Cedar Rapids, Kevin (Fiancee Heather Smith) Rolfes of Redmond, Washington, and Geralyn (David) Lloyd of Burlington; daughter-in-law, Lynn Rolfes of Bettendorf; four grandchildren, Christina (Josh Wright) Rolfes of Cedar Rapids, Andrew Lloyd of Austin, Texas, Carmen (Fiance Tyler DeHague) Lloyd of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Hannah Lloyd of Madison, Wisconsin; two step-grandchildren, Melissa and Justin (Megan) Welch; sister-in-law, Lillian Rolfes of Calmer; and several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Cecilia; son, Jay Rolfes; and six siblings.
Elmer was born on July 31, 1928 in Reilly Ridge, Iowa to Michael H. and Frances (Sabelka) Rolfes. He attended country school, worked as a farmhand for a number of years and then served in the United States Navy beginning in 1950 for a four year term. Elmer married Cecilia Stika on May 18, 1953 in Protivin, Iowa at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was employed by Rockwell-Collins and worked as a Tool and Die Maker, retiring in 1989. Elmer was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and a 20 year member of the Honor Guard for the Pilgrim Virgin Statue.
Elmer made rosaries and was a craftsman and woodworker. He enjoyed board games, his favorite was Upwords. He also enjoyed playing cards, doing crosswords, and writing poetry. Elmer’s devotion was to Mary, the Rosary, and the Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous; 12007 190th ST Monticello, Iowa 52310 in Elmer’s memory.
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