Eugene "Gene" Rolfes

Eugene "Gene" Rolfes, 88, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on November 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 13, 1936, in Le Mars, Iowa, as the sixth of twelve children to Frank and Ida (Dreckman) Rolfes. He was raised in Akron, Iowa, and graduated from Akron High School. He graduated from Westmar College in Le Mars where he was a member of the football team. He later obtained his Masters degree from Northwest Missouri State. On June 6, 1959, Gene married Bernadine "Bernie" Zebus, and the couple raised four children.

Gene's dedication to service and community began early, including a seven-year commitment to the Iowa National Guard. After their marriage, Gene and Bernie initially lived in Macedonia, Iowa, before moving to Mapleton, Iowa, in 1963. Gene worked for the Iowa public school system for over 25 years, serving as both a teacher and later as the elementary principal until his retirement in 1985. During their time in Mapleton, Gene was deeply involved in the local community, volunteering at the Willow Vale Country Club, participating in neighborhood safety patrols, and managing the community pool. He was also an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish.

After retiring, Gene and Bernie moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to family and to escape the Iowa snow. In Arizona, Gene continued his professional journey in property management and as a Knights of Columbus insurance representative, while remaining deeply involved in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Parish. He was a fixture at Knights of Columbus events, including organizing and participating in seminary dinners, bingo nights, fish fries, and charity drives.

Gene was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He earned his 1st Degree on January 1, 1960, his 2nd and 3rd Degrees on February 1, 1960, and became a 4th Degree member on April 4, 1984. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus for 64 years.

Gene was an avid sports fan, especially of the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Phoenix Suns. He enjoyed a remarkable 20-year tenure working for both the Diamondbacks and the Suns, including being part of the World Series-winning Diamondbacks team in 2001. Gene’s hobbies included golf, hunting, cards (especially cribbage), and many board games of which he continually changed rules to ensure he always won!

Gene and Bernie’s love for adventure took them across the globe, visiting many countries including Italy, England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Poland, Lithuania, and Switzerland. They also traveled to Panama and the Caribbean, creating cherished memories that Gene held dear. The greatest joy in Gene's life came from the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ida Rolfes, six brothers, one sister and one granddaughter. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bernie; his children Todd of Altoona, IA, Greg (Robyn) of Glendale, AZ, Jeanne (Dave Myers) of Green Bay, WI, and Mary Beth (Mike James) of Phoenix, AZ; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; his brother Stanley; sisters Paula, Clarice, and Pat; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Gene’s legacy of love, service, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed but forever remembered. A Visitation Service with Rosary and Knights of Columbus Honors will be held at Shadow Mountain Mortuary on Sunday, 11/17/2024 starting at 4pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Monday, 11/18/2024 at 10:30am with a Cemetery Committal Service to follow at Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Joan of Arc Parish or the Knights of Columbus Council 14357 in Gene's memory.