Rolfes, Audrey 1928-2023

ROLFES, NILSON

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/8/2024 at 19:09:45

Audrey Rolfes: A Life of Hard Work, Love, and Legacy

Audrey Rolfes, a true pillar of strength and resilience, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023, at the age of 95. Born on May 29, 1928, in the rural landscape of Hawarden, IA, Audrey grew up on a farm, immersed in a life of agriculture and hard work alongside her six siblings.

Audrey was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sigmund and Edna Nilson, her siblings Wendell, Eldon, Arden, and Quinton Nilson, and her significant other, Verne Kattke. She leaves behind a legacy of love and determination, survived by her siblings Geraldine Schruer and Larry Nilson, her children Eugene Newman and Sherry Kezar, nine grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 55 great-great-grandchildren, and six great-great-great-grandchildren.

Audrey’s life was marked by her unwavering work ethic and her deep connection to the land. She farmed over 600 acres, raising livestock and cultivating crops, contributing to the backbone of our agricultural heritage. Audrey lived on her farm in Alcester for 55 years. Her hands were rarely still, as she poured her energy and love into the soil and the animals she tended.

Despite the demands of farming, Audrey was a constant source of support and love for her family. Her children, grandchildren, and the generations that followed were the apple of her eye, and she delighted in watching them grow and flourish. After retiring in 1993, Audrey dedicated her time to being with her family, creating cherished memories that will be held close to their hearts forever.

Audrey’s legacy is one of perseverance, love, and a deep connection to the land and her family. She has left an indelible mark on the lives of those she touched, and her spirit will continue to live on in the stories and memories shared by her loved ones.

A celebration of Audrey’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Hawarden, Iowa on Tuesday, November 7th at 10am where family, friends, and loved ones will gather to remember and honor a life well-lived. An open visitation will be the previous hour from 9 to 10, and a burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester, SD.

Audrey Rolfes, a matriarch, a farmer, and a beloved member of our community, will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to thrive in the hearts of those she loved. Rest in peace, dear Audrey.