Dr. Ramon F. Rolf Sr.

The family of Dr. Ramon F. (Ray) Rolf Sr. announces his passing at the age of 91 on January 19, 2019. He was a proud family man with a deep sense of faith, a love for music, animals, travel and the outdoors.

He leaves his cherished wife of 69 years, Dorothy F. Rolf; his three children: Ramon F. (Fred) Rolf Jr. and his wife Carolee of Midland, Michigan; Karen F. Rolf of Traverse City, Michigan; and William (Bill) R. Rolf of Traverse City, Michigan. He was predeceased in death by his daughter Laura A. Rolf. He was proud of his grandchildren, Christopher C. Rolf and his wife Lori of Wake Forest, North Carolina and Zakary P. Rolf of Traverse City, Michigan. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Rolf and Pauline Rolf and siblings Ruth Rolf, Velma Brouwer, Herbert Rolf and Wayne Rolf.

Ray's early education was in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a graduate of Fort Wayne South Side High School where he played football and ran track. Upon graduation he enlisted and served in World War II with the United States Army in the Philippines. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Indiana -Bloomington and then achieved his Masters and Doctorate in Chemistry from Michigan State University. He was an avid follower and fan of both the Indiana Hoosiers and Michigan State Spartans. Ray and Dorothy created a scholarship fund at Michigan State University. The endowed scholarship continues to benefit outstanding high school graduates from Midland High School and Dow High School in the science fields.

Ray joined the Dow Chemical Company in Midland as a research scientist in 1956. While in Dow Research he was awarded several patents. In the 1960s, when Dow was heavily involved with recruiting on college campuses across the United States Ray was appointed as Director of Corporate Recruiting. He loved his role in recruiting talented young professionals to Dow. Many of these young engineers, chemists and business graduates went on to successful lifelong careers with Dow. Ray ended his 36 year Dow career as the Global Director of Corporate Compensation. During his time at Dow, he traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and the America's.

He was an avid curler and one of the founding members of the Midland Granite Club now known as the Greater Midland Curling Club. In addition, he enjoyed sailing and power boating.

After his retirement, Ray and Dorothy traveled the world. He was interested in other countries and their culture. They divided their time between Bonita Springs, Florida and Michigan. He and Dorothy spent many summers on Torch Lake and loved its deep blue waters while entertaining family and friends.

The family would like to thank all the Boardman Lake Glens staff for their wonderful care of Ray.

In his honor memorial contributions may be made to the Midland Memorial Presbyterian Church – Food Pantry, Michigan State University for its Rolf Science Scholarship Fund (Fund #A5006) or the Cherryland Humane Society of Traverse City.

The family will have a Celebration of Life in the summer. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family. Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City, 231-941-9034.