John Eugene Rolf

John Eugene Rolf
January 19, 1953- October 25, 2021
 

John E. Rolf; deeply loved son, brother, husband, father and friend. He was a dedicated
educator, athletic director and coach. John was an athlete, an energetic storyteller and a
lively guitarist who sang with a joyful voice.
 

John was born in Saginaw, Michigan on January 19, 1953. He was baptized just down
the street at Peace Lutheran Church and School, where he was also a student from
kindergarten through eighth grade, having his father as a teacher. He was also
confirmed at Peace Lutheran on Palm Sunday, in 1966, and remained a faithful witness
for Christ throughout his life. John then attended Arthur Hill High School, graduating in
1971, where he created many more memories with his siblings and childhood friends. In
1973 he earned his A.A. from Concordia Ann Arbor, where he met his wife, Cheryl,
during choir practice. John continued on to Concordia River Forest, earning his B.A. in
Education in 1975, and his M.A. from Michigan State University in 1983. Returning
home to Peace Lutheran between degrees, John married his wife Cheryl there in 1975.
 

From 1975-2021 John was called to positions at various Lutheran schools across the
country. God led him to teach many different grade levels, becoming involved in athletic
directing, coaching and church leadership positions as well. John’s four daughters were
blessed with having him as a teacher and coach at one of his called positions, while he
was at St Michael Lutheran, Wayne, Michigan. No matter where he was, John always
made time for gatherings with family and friends. He would chat, joke, play at yard and
table games, exercise his mastery of puns, cheer on his favorite Michigan sport, and
share in the joy of being with those dear to him.
 

John was preceded in death by his father, Eugene A. Rolf. He leaves behind his mother,
Elda C. Rolf, his wife Cheryl L. Rolf, his daughters Anna [John] Smith, Jodi [Ben]
Polson, Nora Rolf, and Mollie [Sean] Rolf. His siblings Ruth [Tom] Stuwe, James [Cheryl
J.] Rolf, Rick [Debbie] Rolf, sixteen beloved nieces and nephews, five adored
grandchildren, and countless precious Lutheran School students.
 

John will be celebrated through a service on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 4:00pm, at
Zion Lutheran Church, 1400 Skeel Street, Brighton CO 80601
 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Zion Lutheran School Student Tuition
Scholarship Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Eugene Rolf, please visit our floral store.