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Rolf Margenau Obituary

Rolf C. Margenau December 13, 1934 - February 13, 2025 Rolf C. Margenau, 90, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on February 13, 2025. Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Rolf served his country as a Sergeant in the Korean War, working as a writer and photographer for the Stars and Stripes. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1956 and his JD from Yale Law School in 1962. His career practicing international corporate law spanned some 30 years, predominantly with J.M. Huber Corp, and provided him a path to feed his passion for traveling the world. In 1956, Rolf married the love of his life Nancy McKinster. They started their lives together inConnecticut, eventually settling in Rumson, New Jersey, where they raised their three daughtersand enjoyed the company of dear friends. While in Rumson, Rolf and Nancy dedicated their energies to building HABcore Inc. from a fledgling non-profit serving the area's homeless to the successful institution it is today. Rolf considered his involvement with HABcore to be his proudest professional accomplishment. In Rumson, Rolf also honed his gardening skills (neighbors dubbed him Farmer Rolf), started Frogworks International, a small business selling custom, aftermarket car antennas, and indulged his love of antique cars by rehabbing a 1930 Dodge DC8 Touring Coupe and 1926 Pierce Arrow. Rolf could often be found in his basement woodshop, where he lovingly crafted dozens of pieces of furniture for the family home and his daughters. Later in life, Rolf and Nancy retired to Tewksbury, NJ, and ultimately to Bethlehem, PA. In those locales, Rolf pursued writing and authored six novels and two photography books. He and Nancy traveled throughout their life together, tallying up adventures to more than 100 countries – often accompanied by friends and family – and amassing an enormous collection of frog mementos. Storyteller. Photographer. World Traveler. Master Gardener. Author. Entrepreneur. Antique Car Enthusiast. Lawyer. Philanthropist. Singer. Woodworker. Mentor. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Movie Buff. Theater Aficionado. Dog Lover. Friend. These are all terms that described Rolf. And he undertook all of them with a sense of curiosity, humor and adventure that was infectious. Rolf is survived – and missed immensely – by his wife of 69 years Nancy McKinster Margenau, their daughters Lisa Canepa, Ahni (Tom) Kruger and Cory Fausz, four grandsons (Eugene, Wesley, Patrick and Jacob), three great-grandsons and his two furry companions (Luci and Dingo). He is preceded in death by his father Henry, mother Liesel, sister AnnaMarie and brother Henry. In lieu of flowers, we invite contributions to HABcore Inc, honoring Rolf's legacy. Online memorial tributes may be recorded at www.Heintzelmancares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by WFMZ-TV 69 News on Feb. 17, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Rolf Margenau

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Daniel Schildge

March 20, 2025

I have many fond memories of Rolf, whether it was family adventures when I was a kid, chatting at the automotive tradeshows from time to time, or just the joy my parents got from their many travels with Rolf and Nancy. We will miss you Rolf, all of us. Nancy, Lisa, Ahni and Cory please accept our condolences. We were all lucky to have had Rolf in our lives.

Debi Walsh

February 28, 2025

I graduated with Rolf always so studious but always with a joke.

Tom/Diane Schroth/Shannon

February 23, 2025

I was shocked and saddened, on making a regular check-in call, to find that Rolf had passed. He was a dear friend (and Tewksbury neighbor), and we enjoyed many local activities together, usually with Nancy. One not-so-local adventure was to the Amazon Jungle in Peru. Serving as his copy editor, I dived deeply into the books that he authored, developing even deeper insights into the creative inner workings of his mind. Diane and I will never stop missing Rolf, and we will continue to beam our love out to Nancy.

peggye tombro

February 21, 2025

To Nancy and all of his family
A very sad shock I am sorry for you loss he will truly be missed but always remembered with great fondness In my thoughts and prayers Peg

Mary and Dennis Behle

February 21, 2025

Cory and family, please accept our deepest condolences.

Joan Goldberg

February 18, 2025

To All of Rolf’s family. I’m sending all my love during this period of sadness. It was such an incredible tribute to a brilliant and creative man who was loved and so respected. Rolf truly left his mark in this world.

William boyle

February 18, 2025

Lisa-I want to extend my condolences to you and your family regarding your Fathers passing. He was a good man and instilled great values to you. God bless and wish you all the best.

Caren Vandenbosch

February 18, 2025

Ah Lisa I’m sorry losing a dad is difficult there are so many great memories shared I’m sure.Love to you and your family
Caren

Grateful

February 17, 2025

Rolf,
Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful American

Robert J. Miklas, USN

February 16, 2025

Sergeant, you are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow war veteran. The final battle is now over and peace has been restored. We all are grateful for your stepping up to the plate when your country needed you the most. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation’s defender. Farewell fellow war veteran.

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Funeral services provided by:

Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. - Hellertown

326 Main St, Hellertown, PA 18055

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