Dennis Francis Rolfes

Dennis Francis Rolfes, 86, of Manchester, Iowa, formally of Earlville, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. Dennis was born on April 6, 1934, at Petersburg, the son of John and Veronica (Sassen) Rolfes.  He was raised and educated in the Greeley area. Dennis served honorably in the United States Army.

On February 16, 1960, Dennis married Jeanne Roling at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg. Eight children were born to this union.  The couple farmed together on the family farm north of Earlville where they raised and milked Brown Swiss Cattle, and were members of the Iowa Brown Swiss Association.    Dennis also worked at Lumber Specialties in Dyersville for 20 plus years.  In 2019 they moved to The Good Neighbor Home. Jeanne passed away January 30, 2020.

Dennis was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greeley for many years and now is a member of St Mary Catholic Church in Manchester. Dennis and Jeanne always tended a large garden on the farm and enjoyed going to dances in the local area. He enjoyed his Farmall tractors and loved and enjoyed his family.

Survivors include his eight children, Dave (Jody) Rolfes of Earlville, Barb (Clyde) Ries of Delaware, Mike (Mary Kay) Rolfes of Manchester, Julie (Loras) Kruse of Holy Cross, Jim (Tina) Rolfes of Dyersville, Mark (Christine) Rolfes of New Vienna, Denise Tjelmeland of Independence, and Linda (Dale) Thole of Dyersville; 35 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren with three on the way; one sister, Eileen Fortmann of Ryan;  one sister-in-law, Elaine Wulfekuhle of Edgewood, two brothers-in-law,  Leo (Dorothy) Roling of Colesburg, and Alan (Jeannie) Roling of Dyersville; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanne; one sister Jeanette Rolfes; two brothers-in-law, Emil Fortmann and Lester Wulfekuhle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Because of COVID-19, masks are strongly recommended at the funeral home and at the church

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