Caledonia Argus

Posted: 3/22/04

John Rolfing

John Elton Rolfing, 84, of Caledonia, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.

He was born December 12, 1919, in Caledonia, to Milton and Torensa (Elton) Rolfing. John graduated from Caledonia High School and served in the Civilian Conservation Corps until enlisting in the United States Navy in February of 1941. John was a recipient of a number of medals for his service during WWII including; the US Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Combat Service Commemorative Medal. On January 23, 1945, he married Lola Zimmerhakl at the United Methodist Church parsonage in Caledonia. After the war, John returned to Caledonia and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. In 1961, he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota.

John was a much admired science teacher and high school principal in the Caledonia school system until his retirement in 1979. After he retired, he devoted his time and talent to carpentry and crafts, donating many of his crafts to the Caledonia United Methodist Church. On May 8, 1999, Lola preceded John in death.

Survivors include two daughters, Roxie (Gary) Kriesel of Madison, WI, and Barbara (Steven) Sundermeyer of Lewiston; four grandchildren; and one sister, Helen Sjolander of Park Falls, WI.

In addition to his wife, John was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Janet; and a brother, Russell.

Services will be Monday, March 22 at 1 p.m. from the United Methodist Church, Caledonia. Pastor Tony Fink will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends called at Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia, on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and may call at the church on Monday from 12 noon until the time of service.

The family request memorials be given to the Caledonia United Methodist Church or Gundersen-Lutheran Hospice Home Care Program in lieu of flowers.

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