Caledonia Argus

Former principal dies

Posted: 3/23/04

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

Long-time Caledonia High School Principal John Rolfing died on March 16 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

Rolfing, who was 84, was school principal for almost 30 years. He retired in 1979, and lived in his hometown of Caledonia up until his death.

His daughter, Barb Sundermeyer of Lewiston, said that her father died of natural causes. ìHe was just vital and strong right up until a few days before he died.î

She said he enjoyed his job as principal. ìI really think he liked the students and seeing them do good things and watching them accomplish things.

ìHe was very organized, very methodical, very step by step. He liked seeing the school being successful,î Sundermeyer said.

Robert Stark worked with Rolfing for about 28 years as a science and physical education teacher before retiring in 1990. Stark called Rolfing a great principal and a great friend.

ìHis office was open anytime you wanted to talk to him. He was just a good person.î

Stark added: ìHe was just a terrific guy to work with. He was a people sort of person. Heíd get along with everybody.î

Rolfing enjoyed athletics, and did some coaching, Stark said. He enjoyed the social gatherings that took place at faculty membersí houses too.

ìHe was always a great host along with his wife, Lola.î Lola died in 1999.

Being a principal was different in the Rolfing era, Stark said. There were discipline problems, but nothing of real magnitude, he said. ìThe parents were always 100 percent behind the faculty.î

A complete obituary can be found on page 7.

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