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BORN
1922
DIED
2013
Fred Rolf Obituary
He had medical problems after a fall in mid-July, his daughter, Debbie, said.
Mr. Rolf retired in 1982. He was hired in 1950 as a seventh grade teacher at Union School, and the district had about 1,150 students. By its 1971-72 peak, more than 4,500 students were enrolled.
"He meant so much to the district and the community," said Gregory Smith, in his 19th year as Maumee superintendent, whom Mr. Rolf hired as a high school social studies teacher. "He was a phenomenal educator and outstanding leader and visionary."
Rolf Park on Cass Road was named in his honor. He was named "outstanding citizen of the year" in 1981 and, the next year, was awarded the Maumee Exchange Club's Book of Golden Deeds. The city awarded him its bronze Commemorative Medallion.
"Dad was so humble. He was comfortable in his own skin," his daughter said. "He had the career he really wanted to have.
"Kids otherwise left behind or defeated by the system were totally lifted up by Dad," his daughter said.
Earlier, he taught eighth grade at Fort Miami School and was principal of Union School.
He was born Sept. 30, 1922, in Pemberville, Ohio, to Edward John and Dora Rolf. He was a 1940 graduate of Gibsonburg High School. At 6-feet, 4-inches tall, he was captain of the basketball team and played football and baseball.
He worked at the Erie Proving Grounds, where he met his wife, and attended Bowling Green State University. He was an Army veteran of World War II and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He received bachelor's and master's degrees from BGSU and a doctorate from the University of Michigan.
In the 1950s, the Rolfs took in Anne Korakas, a teenage girl from the Miami Children's Home, as a foster daughter, and she has remained part of the family.
"The bond was made," their daughter Debbie said. "She had been truly a sister to me and a daughter to my parents."
He was a former member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Maumee.
Surviving are his wife, Janet Rolf, whom he married July 10, 1943; daughter, Debbie Rolf; foster daughter, Anne Korakas, and brother, Herman Rolf.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday in Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lake Mary, Fla.
The family suggests tributes to the Maumee City Schools for the Fred J. Rolf scholarship fund.
By Blade Staff Writer Mark Zaborney.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Rolf
28 Entries
October 1, 2013
Dear Deb and Aunt Janet, It was very hard not being physically there with you in Fla. to help support you when Uncle Fred was so ill and then his ultimate passing. There are so many fun and happy memories. He and Aunt Janet were more than just my aunt and uncle, they were my Godparents as well, and that always meant so much to me. He was always so fun and he loved to come to our house. Mom's pies were his favorite. We always had fun teasing him about the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry. He was our resident "black sheep" on that issue. He never missed any of the family dinners, reunions, and holidays. I love you Uncle Fred and will miss you terribly. Love and hugs to Deb, Aunt Janet and Annie. Cheryl and John Phalen
October 1, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with your family. Isaiah 61:2
Rex Rolf
September 30, 2013
Uncle Fred was full of life and laughter. He and Aunt Janet were a noticeably loving and happy couple and were fun to be around. My two fond memories include the Rolf Open; a family golf tournament that involved lots of creative score keeping, bantering and jokes. It was so much fun. The other was as story Uncle Fred liked to tell about when I was probably about 5 years old I was to stay at their house overnight but I got scared and they had to drive me home in the middle of the night from Maumee to Gibsonburg. I was not his favorite nephew that night. We'll miss Uncle Fred and wish to pass our love and sympathy on to Aunt Janet, Deb and Annie. Rex, Terri and Haley Rolf.
pam oatis
September 29, 2013
Dear Debbie,
I have such fond memories of playing at your home and treasure my days at Union School and our time at the middle and high schools. I send love to you and your family.
Fran Weinblatt
September 28, 2013
It was because of Dr. Rolf that I had a long teaching career in Maumee. As Superintendent he hired me as a young college graduate and always treated me fairly. I remember his kindness and flexibility with my maternity leave. It seems that he might have served with my father at Erie Proving Grounds; they would have been the same age. My thoughts are with your family.
Pat Schanke
September 28, 2013
Dear Rolf Family.
Dr Rolf was my principal at UNION school in 1955. HE was such an inspiration and a fine person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat Schanke Naples, FL
Paul Ruth
September 28, 2013
To Janet and Family,my deepest condolences in Fred's Homegoing.We were very good friends at GHS he excelled in sports and as a student.
Todd Rolf
September 28, 2013
My best memories of Uncle Fred was his great sense of humor and laughter. As a kid, I always looked forward to his visits knowing the day would be fun. Even in later years, we enjoyed poking fun depending on who won the OSU / Michigan game. He was the perfect uncle. I will miss him and his laughter.
Sandra Toth
September 28, 2013
Eternal rest, thanks for being a great leader and my education at MHS.
Pat Wixson
September 28, 2013
Such an effective educator! May Dr. Rolf R.I.P. Thoughts and prayers to his family! Pat Bender Wixson - Florida
September 27, 2013
Your dad was my principal at Union School, and in the 5th grade I was sent to his office for too much classroom talking. He was such an Imposing figure! I remember that day well. His kind but stern approach kept me from a repeat offense. My mother, who taught high school English, during his tenure as Superintendent of Schools, had the greatest respect for him as an educator and principled man. Your dad had a huge impact on the quality of education provided by the Maumee City School District. With my deepest sympathy, Charlotte Brady Stavermann
September 27, 2013
Rest in peace! He was a very special person.
Alice Zdawczyk ( Winston Blvd.)
September 27, 2013
Each and everyone of us are a gift of the Lord. We cannot image the impact each and everyone of us have on those that come into our lives. Dr. Rolf was one of those individuals that played a major role in hundreds of individuals. He gave me that opportunity to become a teacher at Union School in 1970. Through the years he continued to be an impact. From his Florida home, he took time to write me a card when I retired.
I feel that peace of knowing he is with the Lord and continues to look down upon his family and friends.
Yes, he will be missed but the reward will be when we join him in heaven. Joyce Hade
ray runner
September 26, 2013
dear Debbie, sorry for your loss.maumee schools were the best because of him.
Pat Schanke
September 26, 2013
Dear Rolf Family,
Dr Rolf was my Principal at Union SCHOOL IN 1955. He was such an inspiration and a fine person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love and PRAYERS, Pat Schanke Naples FL.
Norm Stovall
September 26, 2013
May the God of peace grant you comfort in the ressurection hope. He has promised that we will see our loved ones again.
Jim Coburn
September 24, 2013
I'm very sorry to hear about Dr Rolf's passing. He was a very nice man and he will be missed.
September 24, 2013
Rest in peace Dr. Rolf,and thank you for being a good friend to the Boggs family. Bob Boggs
Jackie Oaks/Lyell
September 24, 2013
As an MHS Class of '56 Graduate, I remember Dr. Rolf well. He was a very dedicated and friendly man, who helped make the memories of my high school year wonderful!
My condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Jackie Oaks Lyell
Mary
September 24, 2013
R.I.P. Mr. Rolf. What a wonderful man.
September 23, 2013
What a great man, educator and soldier!!!! My best! Susan Hegg Stahl
Debby Kohler
September 23, 2013
Dear Mrs. Rolf, Debbie and extended family,
I remember Mr. Rolf well. He was the principal of Union School which I attended from 1956-1962. One memory I have is the day I had to go see The Principal because I was in trouble (I'd thrown an ice ball at Billy Cox's head!) I was terrified! He spoke very softly to me, asked what had happened and just listened. I said how truly sorry I was. Mr. Rolf was so kind to me that I was no longer afraid of him! That says a lot about a man that tall and imposing. I'd say he was a gentle giant. Rest in peace Mr. Rolf.
Jerri Spackey-Fink
September 23, 2013
Mrs. Rolf you and your husband were wonderful people. I lived across the street on Tall Oaks. You always opened your home to me to visit as a child. I remember your dog and how his health was not the best you still took care of him. It was the first time I have ever seen a dog wear a diaper! Mr. Rolf was always kind and there for the kids. So sorry for your loss. He was a man to look up to as a role model! Jerri Spackey-Fink
Bill Rozek
September 22, 2013
Rest in Peace Mr. Rolf! You guided a bunch of crazy kids through the 60's with class and saved us from ourselves! Thank you!
Bill, class of 67
Shirley Evans
September 22, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of a good man, My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family.
Coral Roberts Ross
September 22, 2013
Dr Rolf made every moment count, he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Jennifer Solarz Vojdani
September 22, 2013
So sorry for your loss. The entire Solarz family sends their deepest sympathy. We have very find memories of Dr Rolf.
September 22, 2013
Debbie, Your fathers' obituary was a great story about a man who was a soldier, educator, and community leader! Only you will know how great a dad he was and how much you will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Nancy and Carlos
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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Sep
29
Memorial service
4:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
780 N. Sun Drive, Lake Mary, FL
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