Bill Rolf

Obituaries

March 6, 2018 - 12:00 AM

William Edward Rolf was welcomed into the world by his parents Edward and Lorena (Gleue) Rolf on April 17, 1938, on their farm south of Aliceville. The family moved to the current Rolf farm north of Le Roy in 1942, where Bill grew up. His father and uncles were his mentors as he developed a true passion for farming and a deep commitment to land management and conservation practices. Bill was a fourth generation farmer. At his father’s untimely death, it became a necessity to take over the farm and provide for his mother and young family. He embraced the responsibility of protector and provider throughout his entire life.
His formal education years were spent at St. John’s Lutheran School and Avondale School. As a young man, Bill enjoyed playing baseball, bowling, slow pitch softball and playing music with cousins and friends. He was an accomplished hunter and fisherman, and was always able to put a meal on the table with those skills.
In 1962, he married his lovely wife and helpmate Jane Abbott Rolf. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Bill and Jane moved from Le Roy onto their farm in 1969 and raised their children Bonnie and Ed.
First and foremost, Bill was a farmer. However, his many skill sets made him a valuable employee in other areas. He worked for Sutherland Farm Equipment as a mechanic, Clarkson Construction as a welder on the John Redmond Reservoir, a salesman for Jayhawk Life Insurance, Stein Seed and a regional sales rep for farm equipment.
Bill was active in his community, serving two terms on the Le Roy City Council, 18 years on the Le Roy Fire Department (12 years as chief), three years on the Le Roy Homecoming Committee, one term on the ASCS Board, two terms on the Coffey County Conservation Board, the FHA Board, and the Coffey County Airport Board during its organization. He was an associate director of the Production Credit Association, and served four years as a Hunter Safety Instructor when the program was initiated in Coffey County.
He retired from farming in 2007, but maintained an active role in his land and property. Many friends and family reaped the benefits of his huge gardens and arbor fruits. Bill also enjoyed flying powered parachutes and traveling with Jane in their motorhome. As a lifelong learner, he continued to stay in the tech loop and enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and acquaintances. Bill and Jane especially enjoyed their time with friends in Texas during the winter months. He was an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s activities and stressed the importance of a well-rounded education through fine arts, FFA, Scouting, sports and academics.
His was a life well lived.
His father and mother preceded him in death.
Waiting for a great reunion someday is his wife Jane; daughter Bonnie Kubacka (Scott) and their children Brianna, Isaac and Aaron; Edward (Ed) Rolf and his children Noah, Evyn, Ella and Liam; sister Helen Bolen (Wayne); brother Alfred Rolf (Jeannie); sister Dorothy Maier (Lee) and many, much-loved extended family members and friends.
Bill’s family will welcome and greet friends at Jones Funeral Home today from 6 to 8 p.m. His funeral service is at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Bill will be laid to rest in a graveside service at St. John’s cemetery following the funeral.
Memorial gifts can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery; Paola High School Fine Arts; Future Farmers of America and The Salvation Army.

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