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AURORA, Colo. – Ronald William Rolf, 70, of Aurora, Colo., died suddenly at his home Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012.
Born September 1, 1942, in DeKalb, the son of Bill Rolf Jr. and Helen C. (Stoudt) Rolf, he grew up on a farm southeast of DeKalb and went to Gormley Country One School for seven years and DeKalb Jr. High and High School, playing his beloved sport of basketball. He was on the Sweet Sixteen DHS basketball team in 1960. Ron worked on the Illinois 88 tollway construction before he began to teach and coach.
Ron received a Bachelor of Science in economics business administration at Tulsa University and a Master of Science in education from Northern Illinois University. He student-taught at Malta High School. In Waterman, he taught middle school math and physical education, and coached and taught physical education at Waterman High School. In 1975, he and his "brother," high school friend, Bob Mac Allister, went into the package-liquor business, Mission Viejo Liquors, in Aurora, Colo. They retired in 2005, having been in business together for 30 years. During that time, Ron worked part-time for two years for Excelsior Youth Center in Aurora, Colo., as a part-time counselor. Ron's retirement job was his most favorite – five years at The Pinery Golf Course in Parker, Colo. Ron loved sports and the members and youth workers there loved Ron, with his sports preferences, funny stories and joking with the staff. Ron was truly in his element there and he will be greatly missed by everyone at The Pinery. A recent birthday celebration there brought Ron's closest friends in the area together for dinner, including six high school friends; it was an event to which Ron truly looked forward and enjoyed immensely.
Ron loved playing poker with his friends for 35 years. He was very good at statistics and remembering card games and sports events and players. He enjoyed a friendly bet on almost any game.
Ron also loved his friends' children and coached their sports teams, went to many of their events, "child sat" with them and took care of their family dogs when they were on vacation. Ron was a godparent to Jack Grunst, now 14; nephew, Jeffry Cole; Dawn Rolf; and Jim Wassmann.
He is survived by his sisters, Linda Rolf Anderson of Huntley and Julie (Charles) Cole of Rochelle; niece, Sarah (Carter) Ewing of Newport Beach, Calif.; nephew, Rolf (Molly) Anderson of St. Charles; great-nieces and -nephews, Lauren and Preston Ewing, Allison Cole, Luke and Kate Anderson; and extended family in the DeKalb area.
Preceding Ron in death were his parents; his nephew, Jeff (Sheri) Cole; great-niece, Grace Cole; close cousin, Don Bastian; and brother-in-law, Ron Mathers.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, with the Rev. Ray Krueger of Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be private on Monday, Oct. 15, at Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Anderson Funeral Home.
Ron requested no flowers. Memorials can be made to the Ronald W. Rolf Memorial Fund, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I still think of Ron quite often and the good times we had in DeKalb and Tulsa.
Tom Balke
Friend
October 3, 2021
When I woke up this morning the first thing I thought was that Ron died 7 years ago today! He was a great friend in both high school and college. I have many memories of Ron.
Thomas Balke
Classmate
October 3, 2019
Ron was our neighbor here in Aurora and we will miss him greatly. During the summer, he would always stop and chat during his daily jogging sessions and in the winter, he would voluntarily help us out by plowing our driveways with his truck. His kindness and ever present smile will be missed. May he rest in peace and may God comfort his family and many friends.
Steve Melvin
November 19, 2012
Linda Anderson
October 22, 2012
Ron was an example we should all try to follow.......a kind man anxious to help with a ready smile and gentle word....we at The Pinery were fortunate to have had him as one of us.
Bob Dalrymple
October 15, 2012
Dear Julie and Linda. I was so sorry to hear about Ron's sudden death. Please accept my condolences and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- Marge Friedlund Speer
October 15, 2012
Ron you were such a good friend, I will miss you-Harry
Harry Grunst
October 14, 2012
I am sad you were taken from us so suddenly. But I do have comfort knowing that you lived a full and happy life surrounded by friends and family. I know our family gatherings will never be quite the same without you there. We will always remember the good times and laughter you brought with you. May you rest in peace and love. With Love, Stephanie
Stephanie Cassagnol
October 14, 2012
God's peace to all of Ron's family and friends. I only had the opportunity to meet Ron a few times when he visited his mother and at her funeral. I very much appreciated his caring loving relationship to his mother and his sense of humor. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yours in Christ, Pastor Ray
Ray Krueger
October 14, 2012
I will always remember Ron by his warm, heartfelt smile. Rest in peace, Ron.
Lexi Steele
October 13, 2012
I have wonderful memories of you Ron. Back when we all went camping with you and your beloved Dobermans,Christmas's at Angela and Harry's, and other get together's with them. You saw my daughter grow up and were always so sweet and interested in her. Thank you for your truly genuine nature and your positive energy. I will remember your strong, soulful voice and charasmatic smile. You will be missed. BE in peace in Heaven. Love, Jill
Jill Steele
October 13, 2012
My sympathy goes out to Ron's family on their loss of such a great person.
I am an alumnus from the Gormley school. I remember Ron and Linda, I was there for about 2 years. My family moved back to Waterman where I grew up and graduated from high school. When I knew that Ron was teaching in the Waterman Middle School, I went to visit him and got caught up in our lives.
I remember Ron at Gormley and he was so nice and helpful to me and the rest of the school. He was my first crush I will always remember that.
God Bless all the Rolf Family.
Judy (Gordon) Johnson Hampshire, IL
October 13, 2012
So sorry to hear about Ron passing. My thoughts and prayer are with you all!
William Timmann
October 13, 2012
So sad to hear about Ron. He was a person with a big hart, Great Spirit, honest, and interesting. We will miss his greatly. My thoughts and prayers are there for him and his family.
Debbie Thomas
October 12, 2012
Dear Linda & Julie, We were so saddened to hear of Ron's sudden death. Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of sorrow. Ron was a great guy and a good brother to you girls. We just want you to know we care. Love, Joey & Mary Jane
Mary Walter
October 12, 2012
Ron was a wonderful man! He had an amazing heart and did everything in his power to help those around him who were in need. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and sense of humor.
Karla Williams
October 12, 2012
I feel so blessed to have had the chance to know Ron. He was a rare man with a quiet confidence and dignity that I will always remember. My thought and prayers are with he and his family.
Nick
October 12, 2012
Didn't know Ron for long, but in our interactions with him at the Pinery, he was always a gentleman, pleasant and good-natured. Will miss him and his positive influence. Thoughts and prayers to Ron's family. He's now in a better place. Bob and Sharon Berglund
October 11, 2012
Ron will be greatly missed for his ready smile and modest nature - always ready to lend a hand. It was an honor to have known him.
Trish Hershey
October 11, 2012
Ron will be greatly missed at The Pinery. His caring and friendliness was truly sincere. We are all sorry to lose him
Joan Tinnin
October 11, 2012
Julie I'm so sorry to hear about Ron.You & your family are in my prayers.
Ivana
October 11, 2012
What a shock we got last week when Bob McAllister called and informed us of Ron's sudden passing. We hadn't seen Ron since High School, but renewed our friendship when we moved to Colorado in the late 70's. Ron and Bob owned and operated 3 liquor stores here, and we have stayed in constant contact for the past 30 plus years. Ron watched our daughters grow up and would attend some of their sporting events in High School. He also attended some of our grandsons basketball games at Legend High School. He has been a very close friend and we will deeply miss him. Always enjoyed his smile, jokes and stories he would tell us. So glad Linda had a birthday party for him late August and that we were all there with him. Our prayers and sympathy go out to Linda, Julie and the entire Rolf family. RIP Ron - we'll miss you buddy!!!
Bill and Pat (Henigan) Guerin
October 11, 2012
Linda - I was sorry to hear about the passing of Ron. I enjoyed visiting with him on a few visits to Colorado. It sounds like his 70th party was a fun time. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Terry Henigan
October 10, 2012
All of us at the Pinery Country Club were blessed to have known Ron. He always had a smile on and he will be greatly missed! Rest in peace Ron and know that you were loved!
Dave King
October 10, 2012
Ron was a very dear friend to me and both of my children. Words cannot begin to describe how much he will be missed. Ron was without doubt, the most selfless person I have ever met. He was kind, generous and compassionate to all who knew him.
Rest in peace dear friend...
We love you and miss you, always...
Sara Devanney
October 10, 2012
So sorry to here about Ron. I will always remember his laugh and his good nature when getting teased fron his two younger sisters. I fondly remember his family visits to our home in Atkinson Illinois.
Sally DeDecker
October 10, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. We met him through Angela and Harry Grunst. He was always in a good mood, and pleasant to be around. Gil used to tell him that he looked like Joe Namath. I think he secretly enjoyed it! Ron, may you rest in peace.
Denise and Gil
October 10, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the Rolf Family. I haven't seen Ron since high school but enjoyed visiting with Ron when he was in Rochelle.
Dennis & Roxy Koch
October 9, 2012
Dear friends,
I send my heart in sympathy for your loss. Ron was a great guy and always a gentleman. God bless you and hold you.
All my best and prayers for you,
JoAnn Japuntich Cutrara
JoAnn Japuntich Cutrara
October 9, 2012
Linda, Julie & family ... Our hearts go out to you in sadness over Ron's untimely passing. We remember with fondness the "Sweet Sixteen" and all of the other memorable DHS days. We're certainly glad he was able to celebrate his 70th in style! May he rest in peace.
Joe & Jean Bjorn
October 9, 2012
Linda and Julie ... I have known for years that Ron lived and worked near where I work at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, but our paths never crossed. One time way back in 1998 his name came up as he was going to be a sponsor for a child that was going to be baptized where I work. Now I see his mom has signed here. Learning of his death has brought up many great memories of our families visiting back and forth, our church years, etc.
Kaye Danekas Cairns
October 9, 2012
So sorry to hear about Ron's passing. My heart goes out to all of the family members. Linda, hang in there. Phyllis Peterson Kenseth
Phyllis Kenseth
October 9, 2012
Our condolences to Ron's family. We have many fond memories of Ron. He was one of a kind. So sorry that he is gone. Love, Tom and Karen Balke
October 9, 2012
To Linda and your family...our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Always remember the good times that you shared. Dick and Cindy Wickness
October 9, 2012
What sad news. I haven't seen Ron since high school, but he's always had a fond place in my memories of those years in DeKalb and DeKalb H.S. My condolences to Linda and all the family.
Bill Hudson
October 8, 2012
Ron-You have meant so much to me and my family for the last 20 some years. I chose you as Godfather to my son Jack, because you were trustworthy, caring,dependable and could always be counted on no matter what. I pray you have joined your loving parents, family and friends that departed before you. I also hope there is football in heaven. We will miss you for the rest of our lives. RIP-Angela Grunst
October 8, 2012
I will miss Ron's smile and friendly hello. He cared so much for others. May you rest in peace.
Ann Bagwell
October 8, 2012
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