Rolf Henry Stetter

Rolf H. Stetter passed away on February 23, 2023, at the age of 92. Rolf was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Clarice L. Stetter, and his great-nephew, Evan Wissen. He is survived by his children Mark (Kelly), Debra and Tanya, his grandchildren, Zachary, Lucas, Matthew and Jenna, his nephews, David Wissen and Chris (Robin) Wissen, and his great-niece, Amber (Brandon) DeBock and her son Calvin.

Rolf was born in Mannheim, Germany to Max and Irma Lichtenstetter. With Nazism on the rise, they fled Germany in 1936, shortening their last name to Stetter upon arrival at Ellis Island. After spending a short time in New York City, Rolf and his parents settled in Chicago. After graduating from high school at the top of his class, Rolf attended the University of Chicago, receiving his B.A. in 1950 and his M.B.A. in 1953. He was later drafted and spent two years in Europe as part of the Army Audit Unit. After his tour with the Army, Rolf joined an accounting firm which later would become Biederman, Stetter and Silverman. Rolf's career as a CPA spanned 60 years and he thoroughly enjoyed working with his colleagues and clients.

Rolf met his future wife, Clarice, at a mini-golf course a few weeks after he returned home from Europe. Clarice was just starting a master's program at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism. Rolf and Clarice married on August 16, 1959. Rolf and Clarice lived most of their adult life at 1040 Elmwood in Wilmette where they raised their children and entertained friends. They were both very involved in the Wilmette community. Rolf was a member of Wilmette District 39 Board of Education from 1976 to 1983, serving as its president starting in 1981. During his tenure on the school board, Rolf helped the district through the difficult process of closing schools due to declining enrollment. He also was a member of the Wilmette Bicycle Safety Commission, a long-time treasurer of Wilmette Boy Scout Troop 9, and involved with numerous other local charities and boards.

Rolf and Clarice loved the outdoors, wildlife and exploring the world. They traveled extensively as a couple and with their family, often focusing on national parks, wildlife habitats and destinations off the beaten path. Their trips took them throughout the United States as well as to Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America and Europe. Rolf was an enthusiastic walker and for years, would regularly walk five miles to and from work each day. Rolf also loved to play tennis, watch birds and enjoy a martini on the front porch with family and friends. His creative side came out in his woodworking. He made furniture in his 30s before turning his talents to lathe work and then to folk art. His whimsical animal pieces and charming carvings of houses have been enjoyed by many families and friends over the years. Rolf and Clarice loved to host gatherings for family and friends and were enthusiastic hosts of holiday Glögg parties.

A memorial service celebrating Rolf's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Three Crowns Park, 2323 McDaniel Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weinsteinfuneralhomes.com for the Stetter family.