Rolfes, Lee 1933-2009

ROLFES

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/5/2017 at 12:29:24

Note: He is buried in Riverside Cemetery.

Lee Rolfes of Phoenix, Ariz. passed away on June 9, 2009.

Lee was born in LeMars, Iowa on Jan. 9, 1933.

His wife, Donna, sons Jack and Rick, and daughters-in-law Laurie and Joan, all of Phoenix, survive him. He also has six grandchildren: Rikki Anderson of Keller, Texas, Ron of Glendale and his wife, Jami, Jon of Peoria, Brad of Boston, Mass., Brock of Cincinnati, Ohio and Brittannie of Phoenix; and five great-granddaughters: Bailee and Courtnee Anderson of Keller, Texas, Lily and Ava of Glendale, and Lydia of Phoenix. Lee is also survived by four brothers, four sisters and their spouses: C.J and Maxine of Hawarden, Iowa, Robert (Hap) and Edie of Boone, Iowa, Gene and Bernie of Phoenix, Ruth Phelps of Cincinnati, Ohio, Stan and Linda of Akron, Iowa, Paula and Larry Winker of Boca Raton, Fla., Clarice and Dallas Wilken of Akron, Iowa, and Pat and Rick Christensen of Marshalltown, Iowa, as well as their children and grandchildren; also his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Marsha Blankenburg of Tucson and children and grandchildren.

Preceding Lee in death were his parents, Frank and Ida Rolfes, three brothers: Daniel, Isidore and Virgil, in-laws Bill and Grace Blankenburg, and sister-in law Marian Schilling.

Lee grew up farming in the Akron, Iowa area. He graduated from Akron High School in 1951, where he participated in football, basketball and baseball. Additionally, Lee served as volunteer fireman for the city of Akron, alongside his father-in-law, Bill and Uncle Barney Swift.

He, Donna and their boys moved to Benson, Ariz. in the fall of 1958. He first worked at Apache Powder and then owned and operated Lee's Chevron for over 30 years. Lee devoted himself wholeheartedly to the welfare of the city of Benson and the people who live here. He always had a special place in his heart to serve as a volunteer fireman for the Benson Fire Department. Lee served as a director for the Benson Chamber of Commerce and a member of the City Council. When budgetary considerations put the Miss Benson Pageant in jeopardy, Lee gave generously of his time and money so this scholarship opportunity could continue for the young women of Benson. Lee's family was especially proud when he was chosen as Benson's Man of the Year in 1987, as well as the Fourth of July Grand Marshal. Lee often sponsored Little League, Babe Ruth and girl's softball teams during his years in Benson. He was an accomplished fast-pitch softball pitcher and spent many nights down at the park playing. He continued playing even when his sons were old enough to join him in the men's league. Lee enjoyed his years of bowling down at the alley and the camaraderie of his many friends there as well.

Whether in Benson or Iowa, Lee has always valued his many friends. He appreciated his loyal customers at Lee's Chevron as well.

We will always remember his broad smiles, great hugs, dry sense of humor, trickster pranks, loving kindness, generosity, strong work ethic and his devotion to his family.

A Memorial Mass will be held in his honor at the Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Benson on Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the Butterfield RV Resort Banquet Hall, located at 251 S. Ocotillo in Benson. The family hopes to see many of our special friends and family there. Lee was cremated and his remains will be taken to his hometown of Akron, Iowa at a later date for burial.

San Pedro Valley News
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Benson, Arizona