Richard Arthur Roloff

Richard Arthur “Dick” Roloff, 96, of University City, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 6, 2026.

Born on February 12, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of Robert F. Roloff and Marion J. Roloff. He grew up in Kirkwood and graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1948. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering following which he served in the U S Coast Guard.

After serving in the Coast Guard, Dick and his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Rodgers Roloff, moved to South Texas, where he served as developer and Mayor of the town of Laguna Vista, helping transform the coastal area into a growing community.

Returning to St. Louis, Dick became president of Capitol Land Company. He helped lead the development of several major projects in the region, including Plaza Frontenac and the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton.

Later he brought his development and finance experience to Washington University, where he served on the Board of Trustees before becoming Executive Vice Chancellor for Capital Projects from 1991 to 2006. Dick helped guide the university’s expansion and played an important role in the redevelopment of the Central West End and the area surrounding the university’s Medical Campus.

He received the Alumni Achievement Award from the School of Engineering in 1976. In 1991, he was named Businessperson of the Year by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. Washington University later recognized his contributions with the prestigious Dean’s Medal in 2000, the School of Engineering Dean’s Award in 2007 for his leadership as chair of the school’s Major Gifts Committee, and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2010.

Outside of work, he enjoyed biking, skiing, hiking and sailing, and in his later years he especially enjoyed gardening. For decades he rode bicycles through Forest Park with his son Rick.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, who died in 2001. He is survived by his sons, Rick Roloff (Natasha Kwan) and Steven Roloff (Jill), and his daughters Anne Klein (Peter) and Kathy Bitting (Billy). He is also remembered by his longtime companion, Gerhild Williams, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Through decades of development, leadership and mentorship, Richard Roloff quietly helped shape Washington University and the city of St Louis. His work will continue to be felt for generations. He believed strongly in giving people opportunities and mentored many young professionals throughout his career.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Broken Tree Church: BrokenTree.org

“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.” Psalm 112:5-6