Dennis Rolek

Dennis Francis Rolek, D.O., 68, of Waukee, Iowa, born Sept. 16, 1945, in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away at Mercy Medical Center West Lakes in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Dennis received his B.S. from St. Louis University in biology and chemistry in 1967. He continued his education at the University of Missouri and received his master's degree in 1969 and his Ph.D. in 1971. In 1976 he graduated from Des Moines University with a D.O. Degree. Dennis was an instructor in physiology and pharmacology at the University of Missouri, an assistant professor of biology at Avila College in Kansas City, Mo., and an assistant professor at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. For 37 years Dennis was a physician involved with family practice, emergency room and occupational medicine. He was a member of the Iowa Medical Society, Iowa Osteopathic Society, Polk County Medical Society and St. Boniface Catholic Church. As if being a physician wasn't time consuming in itself, Dennis was also manager of Rolek Farms, Inc, a licensed real estate agent and had been a volunteer physician at Perry Free Medical Clinic. In his free time Dennis enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Julia, nee Freshman, Rolek.

Surviving are his loving wife, Deborah of Waukee, Iowa; children, Rachel E. (Chris) Gorman of Phoenix, Ariz., Alex W. (Erin) Rolek of San Diego, Calif., Brian F. Rolek of West Des Moines, Iowa, Chuck J. Rolek of Waukee, Iowa, David B. Rolek of Waukee, Iowa and Eric R. Rolek of Ames, Iowa; grandson, Shane Gorman of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister, Janet C. Rolek of Fairview Heights, Ill.; brother, Charles F. Rolek of O'Fallon, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family where they will be given to a yet to be determined cause or to Des Moines University (earmarked still to be determined).

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Ernst Funeral Home, Waukee, Iowa.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee, Iowa.

ERNST FUNERAL HOME, Waukee, Iowa.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat on Mar. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Rolek

19 Entries

max McCaw

July 26, 2014

Dennis and I were classmates and hunting buddies during our time at coms. we lost track of each other but the Roleks have remained an inspiration to me throughout my life.

June 25, 2014

You were one of the greatest Doc. and person. God be with you my Freind, Ken & Vickie Mauk

Laura Hill

March 8, 2014

Dr. Rolek will always be remembered as a kind and generous man...sorry the world has lost him.

Jeri (Porter) Hiskey

March 6, 2014

So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

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Michele George

March 6, 2014

Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.He brought a lot of smiles to our faces when we had class together.

Deanna Wilson

March 6, 2014

Deb, I am so sorry. Your friend in quilting Deanna Wilson

March 6, 2014

Deb,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in our heavenly father during this difficult time. God bless you and your family.
Jane Place

Laurie Shepstone

March 5, 2014

My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family, Debbie. I am so sorry for your loss.

Melissa Bartlett

March 5, 2014

My deepest sympathies to Deb and family.

Mike and Jannelle Hudson

March 5, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Definitely an amazing man with a contagious laugh. He will be greatly missed.

Jim Blessman

March 5, 2014

Hi Deb, Read Denny's obit from South Africa. So sorry to hear of your great loss. The years have slipped by so quickly, I have great memories of our friendship many years ago. Thank you for being a great blessing to me. It would be wonderful to see you here in South Africa on a mission trip one day. God bless.

Julie Messerly

March 4, 2014

I am so very sorry for you and your families loss.

March 4, 2014

God bless your family

gregory&pat page

March 4, 2014

Very sorry to hear about cousin Dennis.He and his family will be in our prayers.

March 4, 2014

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Debbie and all of the Rolek family at this most difficult time. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds, and comfort you with the hope of eternal life that is found in Jesus Christ alone. God bless you all and may He bring healing to each of you in the days ahead.
Dan Gutenkauf, Tempe, Arizona

March 4, 2014

Our sympathies and prayers. Terrance and Maureen Kurtz, Waukee, Iowa.

March 4, 2014

You have deepest sympathy I'm so sorry for your loss.
Aunt Marie Nitzschke

Jeanne Derrick

March 4, 2014

Our sympathy to your family.
Bill and Jeanne Derrick
- friends of Eric

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results