Louis Jack Rolfs (1927-2022)
Louis Jack Rolfs, age 95, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather died April 16, 2022 in Ellsworth, Kan. and is reunited with Betty Jean Melchert Rolfs, his beloved wife of 71 years.
He was born in Lorraine, Kan. Feb. 6, 1927, son of Louis L. and Margaret Rolfs. Louis was raised in Lorraine, and lived his entire life in the close-knit Lorraine community. Upon graduating from Lorraine High School, he farmed, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
After marrying Betty in 1949, their life was focused on children, their extended family and their faith community at First Baptist Church of Lorraine.
Besides his great love of farming, he enjoyed hunting, basketball and attending church and local events. He served his greater community in multiple leadership roles and was always ready to step up to the plate when work needed to be completed.
Louis and Betty fully enjoyed their five children, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, traveling often to see their out-of-state daughters and families as well as spending treasured time with their sons and families who remained in Kansas.
The joy of their retirement years was their home in Tucson where he and Betty entertained, enjoyed new activities, met new friends and embraced all the southwest had to offer.
Louis loved his family and was steadfastly proud of them all. Louis was blessed with many family and community members who reached out and supported him with love and care, including the committed and caring staff at the Good Samaritan Home. He often commented how thankful he was for his family and friends and the support he received. He was a blessing to his family and his family was a blessing to him.
His natural curiosity of the world, his commitment to family and his willingness to serve others will always be remembered. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. The Sunday before his passing he enjoyed a family dinner at his Ellsworth home, knowing that his life was ebbing. He died peacefully, with family at his side and with a heart full of gratitude.
Louis is survived by his daughter, Jan Miko of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; son Jack Rolfs and wife Marilyn of Olathe, Kan., and their children, Austin Rolfs and wife Katie of Gardner, Kan., and their children, Greyson and Nolan Rolfs, Travis Rolfs and wife Sarah of Los Angeles, Calif., and Jackson Rolfs and fiancé Allison Verheyer of Kansas City, Mo.; daughter Sue Boldrick and husband Cooper of Louisville, Ky., and her children Joanna Moel and husband Mac, of Louisville, Ky., their children Canon, Caroline, and Calahan Reed; John David Moel and wife Ali of Goshen, Ky., and their children Elaina, Alexandra, Lacey, and Marcus Moel, Joshua Moel and wife Lydia, of Louisville, Ky., and their children Isaiah, Samuel, Rosalee, and Audrina Moel; son Scott Rolfs and wife Toni, of Bushton, Kan., and his children Justin Rolfs and wife Stephanie of Colorado Springs, Colo., Monte and wife Melissa of Lorraine, Kan., and their children, Cassidy and Caroline Rolfs; daughter Jean Rolfs and husband Bill Hudgens of Little Rock, Ark., and her children James Ochiltre of Lopez Island, Wash., and his daughter, Louisa Ochiltre, and son Stephen Fulwider of Sunnyvale, Calif.
Louis was predeceased by his wife, Betty Jean Melchert Rolfs; his sister, Marjorie Rolfs Hildebrand; and his beloved daughter-in-law, Patti Hoelscher Rolfs.
A celebration of life service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, April 22, at Lorraine Baptist Church. A private inurnment will take place.
Memorial contributions can be made to Heart Ministries (Victory Village) or Gideons International, in care of Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.
Condolences can be left at www.parsonsfh.com.