Gary John Rolfes, 76, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away on Monday January 22, 2024 at MercyOne, Clinton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 PM Saturday, January 27th at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Clinton with a luncheon to follow immediately. Visitation will be held Friday Jan. 26th from 4 to 7 PM at Prince of Peace. Memorial contributions may be made to the family’s discretion. Pape Funeral Home in Clinton is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
Gary was born on November 7, 1947 to Aloysius ‘Al’ and Kathleen Rolfes in Le Mars, Iowa. After graduating from St. Edmond’s High School in Fort Dodge in 1965, he went on to study economics and accounting at the University of Iowa. While attending St. Ed’s, Gary met the love of his life, Carmen. They wed in 1969 in Fort Dodge as Gary was enlisting in the Army. With a stroke of luck, Gary was sent to Germany and he and Carmen had many stories of their travels around Europe. After returning from Germany and then graduating from the University of Iowa, Gary attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He and Carmen settled in Clinton after he landed his first job. Gary later went into private practice with the Mayer, Lonergan, and Rolfes law office. Gary and Carmen went on to have two daughters, Annie and Sarah, who are their pride and joy.
Gary was known for his caring nature, his love for his family and friends, his sense of humor, and his dedication to his faith. Family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was always happy to tell people about his children and grandchildren. He was happiest when surrounded by his four grandchildren. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 2011 and had been ever hopeful for a full recovery and never voicing a complaint. He loved a good joke and loved having visitors for “beer thirty” and a room full of laughter.
Anyone who knew Gary knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. His family is forever grateful for the wonderful family and friends who have been there for our family through everything over the years. He was blessed with a big, close family and also married into a big and loving family. Gary is survived by his wife Carmen; children Annie (Aaron) Atkinson of Saline, MI, Sarah (Greg) Rolfes-Manning of Chicago; 4 grandchildren, Carter and Lilly Atkinson of Saline and Liam and Kieran Manning of Chicago; brothers Dave (Kim) of West Des Moines, Scott (Becky) of Platte City, MO, Tim (Therese) of Ankeny, Tom (Jeannine) of Ankeny, John (Ali) of Whitefish Bay, WI, and Joe (Kathy) of Normal, IL; a sister, Mary, of Johnston; in-laws Dan & Patsy Condon of DeWitt, Gary Jondle of Port Townsend, WA, Denny & Joani Eittreim of Laguna Hills, CA, and Maureen Condon of Jefferson Hills, PA; many nieces and nephews; and a host of treasured friends. Gary was preceded in death by his mother Kathleen and infant sibling Rodney in 1951, his father Al in 2007, and mother Kitty in 2020.
I just read about Gary passing. Gary was a great guy and lawyer. My mom, Mary “ Tolly” Gordon felt blessed to have him assist her. I am forever grateful for his assistance after Mom passed. We both always enjoyed visiting with him. Your family will be in my prayers.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to your family. I have several cousin memories of Gary. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Is that getting too warm or is that OK?
Gary was a great attorney who was very kind. Condolences to the family.
Gary was an excellent lawyer and a very kind man. He will be missed. My sympathy to his family.
Tim……so sorry for your family’s loss…..may you find comfort and peace in your happy memories.. praying for you…..Judi Ford (Buxo)
thank You Judy. I am just reading this. Appreciate your condolences.
Carmen and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences on Gary’s passing.
We never lose the people we love. They continue to live in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories and lives forever. Rest in Peace Gary.
Carmen so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathies to Carmen,Annie, Sarah and families. Gary was one of the kindest and most fun guys we’ve ever known. We have such fond memories of shared experiences from our Iowa City days…summer afternoons at the reservoir, frolics in Grandview Courts backyard, giggles and laughs . We will always remember him as that guy. With so much love, Becky and Bob
Carmen, Annie, Sarah and families, So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all and sending our thoughts and prayers. RIP, Gary!
My condolences to Carmen and the family. Gary was a consummate lawyer, respected by all. He has and will be missed by his peers.
My sympathy and prayers to Carmen and his family.