Robert T. Rolfs

Rolfs, Robert T. On Monday, February 18, 2008. Robert T. Rolfs died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona surrounded by his family. Bob Rolfs was born on April 19, 1926, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Robert H. and Clara M. (nee Blau) Rolfs. He attended West Bend High School, Class of 1944 and served in the United States Navy during World War II. After his military service, Bob attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in business administration in 1950. Bob Rolfs was an excellent athlete throughout his life and was known for his fierce competitive spirit. While at Notre Dame, Bob competed on the golf team and lettered in his junior and senior years. In his junior year, Bob won the 72-hole Notre Dame Open by one stroke when he knocked in a five-foot put to score a 69. Bob also won nine country club championships, including seven at West Bend, where he served as club president in 1959 and 1960. Bob's love of sports and competition could also be seen in his generous charitable gifts in support of athletic scholarships and recreational facilities in Wisconsin and at Notre Dame. Bob spent his business career at the Amity Leather Products Company, which was founded by his father in 1915. Bob and his brother Tom expanded the successful business, which became a leading manufacturer of personal leather goods. Bob was named President and CEO in 1975 and continued in that role until his retirement in 1992. After he completed his college degree, Bob married Marilyn Masley in 1950. Bob and Marilyn settled in West Bend and raised five sons in their home which was less than a block from the house in which he grew up. Bob was very active in business, charitable and civic organizations throughout his life. He served as a past President and Chairman of St. Joseph's Community Hospital. He was also a director of the Western Golf Association, a member of Notre Dame's Arts and Letters' Advisory Council and a past President of the Luggage and Leather Goods Manufacturers Association of America. Bob also supported numerous Catholic, civic, educational and humanitarian charities through his private foundation. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; five children, Robert (Diane), Mark, Michael (Carol), Christopher and Stephen (Peg); eight grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Terry Rolfs; and his cousin, David (Bernice) Rolfs. Bob's two brothers James and Thomas Rolfs died in 1992 and 2003, respectively. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 23, at 11:00 AM, at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, 1025 S. 7th Ave., with private interment services. Visitation will be Saturday at the Church only from 9AM until 10:45 AM. Memorials to the Boys and Girls Club of West Bend are suggested. SCHMIDT FUNERAL HOME "A Golden Rule Funeral Home" 629 Cedar St. West Bend 262-334-2301 www.schmidtfuneralhome.com