Bennett James Rolfes

Bennett James Rolfes, 14, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Bennett was born May 29, 1997 to Pat and Kelle Rolfes. He was a freshman at Dowling Catholic High School where he was beginning his golf career. Bennett was also a 2011 graduate of St. Augustin Catholic School where he participated in every event he could fit in-from service projects to Mock Trial to musicals.

Throughout his life, Bennett’s primary focus was people. He loved and was loved by a crowd of thousands. Wherever he went, he spread good cheer and a big smile for he had the unique ability to make everyone feel special-no matter whom they were. Bennett will be remembered by his teachers as one of those students who made a difference in their life.

Bennett is survived by his parents, Pat and Kelle; his sister, Madeline; and his brother John. Also surviving are his grandfather, Frank Rolfes of Minneapolis, MN; his grandmother, Shirl Melton, of West Des Moines; his aunts and uncles, Angela and John Thalgott of Las Vegas, NV and Mike Rolfes, Teri Vogt and Dan Rolfes, all of Edina, MN. Bennett’s cousins include Emma and Julian Thalgott; Jennifer and Carolyn Rolfes, and Paul Vogt. Bennett was preceded in death by his grandmother, Julie Rolfes; his grandfather, James Melton; and his uncle, Mark Vogt.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 23rd from 4 to 7 p.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines, with a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Saturday, September 24th at St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa with the Reverends Zach Kautzky and James Polich officiating.

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to St. Augustin Catholic School or Dowling Catholic High School.