Charles R. Rolfs

Sunday, January 19, 2025 11:15 pm

Charles R. Rolfs, 83, of Waukon, passed away at his home on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon, with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 1 p.m. until the time of services Wednesday at the church. A reception at the church will follow the service and burial. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

     Charles Richard Rolfs was born May 24, 1941, in Forest Mills rural Waukon, Iowa, to Wapter and Emma Rolfs. He graduated from Waukon High School. Four years later, in 1963, he married the love of his life, Lois Halvorson. He spent most of his career working with local farmers and homeowners as an LP and petroleum salesman with Farm Service in Waukon.

In his free time, he enjoyed numerous outdoor activities, most notably spending ample hours on lakes and rivers, with treasured friends, searching for that trophy fish. Charles also was a horseman, a love he developed as a young boy on the farm. Above all, Charles was a family man.  He would go to the ends of the earth to help a family member in need.

Camping trips were a frequent occurrence. The stories will continue to live on at family gatherings. Charles will also be remembered for his enthusiasm and skills around a card table.  He would often be heard stating, “Pick it up, I’m going alone.” He was very proud of his antique Case tractor and loved showing it off in local parades.  His beagle, Peaches, was often seen riding shotgun.

He is survived by his wife Lois of Waukon; his children: Kathie (Randy) Robinson of Chicago, Ill., Sandra (Jim) Casetta of Eau Claire, Wis., Charlie (Amy) Rolfs of Decorah, Steve Rolfs of Waukon, and Kim Rolfs of Waukon; 10 grandchildren: Matt (Jackie) Robinson, Dave (Kellen) Robinson, Jessica (Adam) Wooster, Esau Casetta, Emma (Justin) Swetala, Jackson Rolfs, Lane Rolfs, Ellie Rolfs, Libby Rolfs, and Nate Rolfs; 3 great-grandchildren: Graham Robinson, Owen Robinson, and Calvin Wooster.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Lloyd Rolfs; and sister Gladys Hartson.

Honorary casketbearers are Jessica Wooster, Emma Swetala, Ellie Rolfs, Elizabeth Rolfs, Graham Robinson, Owen Robinson, and Calvin Wooster. Casketbearers are Matt Robinson, David Robinson, Esau Casetta, Jackson Rolfs, Lane Rolfs, and Nathaniel Rolfs.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.