He grew up in St. Paul where he attended Humboldt High School. He was a proud veteran of the US Navy, enlisting with his cousin Rich Neubert, and served on the USS Bon Homme Richard CV 31 during the Korean war. Bob married Barb Nygaard in 1957 and moved to Coon Rapids, when Foley Blvd was still a gravel road. They raised three kids, Brad, Brenda and Beth. He served as a Coon Rapids police officer from 1963 to 1981, giving far more warnings than tickets. He loved being a cop and continued to record “suspicious” license numbers even after retirement. He was a Life Member of the Coon Rapids VFW and American Legion. Bob was known for his good nature, generosity and sense of humor. He often made clever plays on words or intentional mispronunciations which became known, as ‘Rolfeisms’. He impressed kids by his ability to talk like Donald Duck. He played softball well into his 40s on teams for the city of Coon Rapids, Maynard’s 66 and the Over the Hill Gang. He enjoyed country music and was a self-taught guitar player. He enjoyed “picking and grinning” sessions with friends and won numerous talent contests at the VFW and Bonanza Club. He loved to stay busy “putzing” in the yard or garage or doing small projects. Many friends and relatives have rooms, basements or garages that were wired by Bob. He believed there were few construction problems that couldn’t be solved by a liberal dose of Liquid Nail. He was a prolific labeler, marking everything in sight. Bob loved to duck hunt with his cousins, son and later grandsons and son-in-law.
He enjoyed planning, reminiscing and laughter more than shooting ducks. He enjoyed driving around looking at duck sloughs and just watching ducks. Bob was a dedicated son to his mother, Pauline Keegan, playing chauffer to church, senior’s center and hair appointments. Though Bob and Barb eventually followed different paths, they remained friends, which was a blessing to their family. Bob was a loving dad, grandpa and great grandpa. He was a loyal friend and had a kind heart. He donated to charities too numerous to list. Bob was blessed with a long life and a family which loved him beyond words. When health challenges required his stay at Guardian Angels, his hope was to get back home. Now he is.
Bob is survived by his three children: Brad (Jody) Rolfe, Brenda (David) Neumann and Beth (Craig) Hubbard; 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; former wife and friend Barb Raehsler and special cousin Gus Neubert.
Bob was preceded in death by grandsons Erik Rolfe, Blake Neumann and numerous relatives, friends, and coworkers.
Bob’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Guardian Angels Care Center for their compassionate care during these extremely challenging times.
Bob will be buried at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery after a private service. In lieu of flowers or memorials the family requests that people just be kind to each other in Bob’s memory.
FAMILY
Bob is survived by his three children: Brad (Jody) Rolfe, Brenda (David) Neumann and Beth (Craig) Hubbard; 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; former wife and friend Barb Raehsler and special cousin Gus Neubert. Bob was preceded in death by grandsons Erik Rolfe, Blake Neumann and numerous relatives, friends, and coworkers
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