Rollefson, Robert K. (1939-2017)

ROLLEFSON, RODEMEYER, RIHERD, TANNAHILL, HARRIS, CARLSON, CLEMMENS

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 7/28/2017 at 20:08:02

Robert "Bob" K. Rollefson
February 19, 1939 - July 10, 2017

Robert “Bob” K. Rollefson, 78, of Forest City, died on Monday, July 10, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center-West Campus in Mason City.

Robert Kay Rollefson, a son of Raymond G. and A. Meta (Rodemeyer) Rollefson, was born on February 19, 1939, in Forest City, Iowa. He enjoyed a very special relationship with his maternal grandmother, Alma Riherd, having spent a great deal of time with her during his youth. In 1953, as a 14-year-old young man, he journeyed with her to the English sector of occupied Germany for a year where he learned to speak and write German while also witnessing firsthand the ravages of World War II. The trip left a deep impression on him. After graduating from Forest City High School in 1957, he attended Waldorf College for two years before continuing his education at Mankato State College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a minor in History, thereby becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college with a 4-year degree. In 1962, Bob married Phyllis Tannahill; In 1964, he entered the United States Army and was later honorably discharged. In 1991, he and Phyllis divorced.

Bob worked for Winnebago Industries in the maintenance department in his younger years. Next, he worked in the insurance industry and operated the Fillus Inn together with his wife. In the 1970s, he entered into partnership with his good friend Norman Stromer, selling stocks, bonds, and commodities as a registered representative for the RG Dickinson Company and then Okoboji Financial. As retirement beckoned, he became a trusted driver throughout the United States for Winnebago dealer Lichtsinn RV of Forest City.

Bob loved playing any game of cards, including cribbage, listening to country music, woodworking, hunting, and collecting anything he liked, especially coins. Bob had a love for animals and his pet pig.

A proud veteran, Bob enjoyed his role as an organizer and chaperone of the Honor Flight. An active member of the Forest City American Legion Post #121, he had served as commander for many years.

Bob is survived by his children, Steve (Kathy) Rollefson, of Forest City, Mike (Becky) Rollefson, and Kimberly (Brenton) Harris, of Marion, Iowa; his grandchildren: Dustin (Amanda) and Logan (Merry Weiss) Brown; Brooke (Josh) Hamm; Gabriel, Ava, and Nora Harris; Brandon, Christopher (Nicki Dalmacio), Scott (Lindsay), Spencer (Christina), and Travis Rollefson; and Jeremy Rose; ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Mike (Holly) Rollefson, of Stillwater, Minnesota; and his sister, Marvel (Jerry) Carlson, of Watertown, South Dakota, as well as by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dianne Clemmens; and his son, Robert A. Rollefson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the Cataldo Schott Funeral Chapel, 505 North Clark Street, Forest City, Iowa 50436, with Pastor Ed Bard, Chaplain- Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at the Cataldo Schott Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Forest City with Military Honors conducted by the Forest City American Legion Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Forest City American Legion or in his name in care of the family.

Cataldo Schott Funeral Home, Forest City, Iowa, 2017.

Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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