I have called Rolf friend for some 52 years now. We met as young marrieds in our first homes in Evanston Illinois in 1974. I remember clearly meeting him while he was painting the walls of his new home. I should say speedily painting because that was Rolf then and always. Speedily painting, mowing the lawn, planting flowers, cycling or just walking. Always on the move in top speed full of energy, the veritable energizer bunny charged and ready to go. We hit it off right away and so did our wives so the 4 of us embarked on what would become a lifetime of joy, parties, fun, parties,laughter and did I mention, parties?

There are too many memories to recall but some of the highlights include the births of Lindsay and Brooke and watching how much Rolf loved and fathered them. Through them we were delighted to meet and love their husbands Jon and Dave and more recently the grand children Riggs, Cal, Ella and Lily. We love them all as if they were ours and we are eternally grateful that Rolf and Dianne shared them with us and included us in their family.

I will always miss my friend, Rolf, that cheerful smile and those phone calls that always started with that upbeat, FRANK, at just the right time when I needed a friend. I know we will one day meet again for another round of golf, a party or two, a run, another party or two or just a quiet sit-down together in recognition of how much we thought of one another and valued our friendship.

Until then I look forward to that day with love and expectation.

God speed, my dear friend. 

We met Rolf and Dianne when they moved in a month after us with just one home between us. We immediately hit it off. There wasn’t a day that passed without raging endorphin laughter…so good for each of us. It wasn’t long after that we became Auntie Barb and Uncle Phranque to Lindsay and Brooke, and life long friends. There are too many stories to tell but I cherish them all. My prayer is that Lindsay and Brooke and their families find some comfort and peace knowing they are in the hearts of so many during this difficult time. I am so blessed having Rolf in my life and a better person for it. I will see you again, my friend. Blessings and love to family and friends as they grieve your passing. 

Brooke and Lindsay:

The words and stories that you shared about your father at the service were so moving. 

I will sure miss Rolf, who was my friend, lunch buddy and fellow flower lover.

I felt happy today to see so many people attend Rolf’s funeral service today at the Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church here in Raleigh.

I got to know Rolf from the weekly lunches we attended with my late friend, Bob Mitten. I also had often talked with Rolf about flowers and gardening tips at the job he had in the Home Depot Garden Department.

Rolf always gladly shared a kind world and a wonderful smile. He immediately treated me as a long time friend.

I always appreciated talking with him about gardening tips. He also offered important support to me that helped me in my cardiac rehabilitation back in March. 

Rolf was obviously loved and will be missed

Please accept my condolences and prayers. May God Bless. 

Rolf is my uncle, and his twin sister Rita is my mom. 

We are a small but close-knit group on The Kolconay side. Rolf and  Rita were 17 when their Dad (Kalman  aka Cal) passed away of a heart attack at 48 years old in April 1959. Just about to graduate from high school and soon to turn 18 in July before heading off to college that fall …life was just beginning.

Both of them embraced life and life’s energy,  and with their big brother Ken (4 years older), took care of their mom Florence and built families of their own always bring there for one another- all 3 of them

Rolf, and Ken, walked Rita down the aisle on her wedding day and were a close knit part of our family and our lives.

- bought me, my sister and brother our first bikes

-celebrated holidays and birthdays and weddings, back yard barbecues, concerts in the summer at Ravinia, 

- shared our, hopes, our dreams, our ups, our downs 

- Shared our love of our past generations and family traditions and new experiences as well

We are all only here for a short while and as a family , all children of the most high God, through  him we mourn Rolf but celebrate him more. 

My mom used to share with us that happiness means “to love and be loved”. Just that simple  but oh so generous.  To know Rolf  was to be loved by him in that special way!!

Rolf was always so upbeat and inspiring every time I saw him. You could feel his deep love for his family and for nature in every interaction, and in all the stories Dave and Brooke have shared over the years.

May the very best parts of Rolf live on and be cherished by his loved ones forever. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends. 

Prayers ascending for Rolf's family during this time.  We had the pleasure of attending  St. Stephen's Episcopal when he lived in Charleston.  He sure was  fine gentleman!

“Focus on our journey together”

Pops used to put two fingers to his forehead with big eyes as a reminder to FOCUS!   

On the task, on the mission, on the game.

In his honor, I merge that with his “it’s not the destination but the journey” adage.  

I’m grounded in the truth that his life has impacted mine, and my journey is merged with his, thus we are sharing in life’s journey - together forever.  

With two fingers on my forehead in salute, I’m forever FOCUSED on our joined journey Pops.  I love you.  

Brooke and Lindsay,  Your father was a lovely man.  I had the pleasure of knowing him through the gardening committee at St Stephen's where he shared his vast knowledge and also his labor.  We were blessed to have him with us.  I know he was so proud of you and his grandchildren; I'm sure you will miss him.   My deep condolences.

With love,

Martie Adams

Had the pleasure of formally meeting Rolf at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian when he sat beside me at a church function last November and we had a very nice and meaningful conservation.  Rolf was also frequently seated near my family during Sunday services where we would exchange smiles and hellos.   Very sorry to hear of his passing and he will truly be missed at Hudson!    Prayers of peace and comfort to the family. 

I am grateful to have gotten to know Rolf at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian, where I work. I always enjoyed speaking to him. I handle property matters for the church and took note of the wonderful work he put into our Memorial Garden. He'd come by just to water the roses and say hello. After he officially became a member in April '24, he made sure to stop by my office to get a copy of the directory right away. I was happy to see him reach out so comfortably and make connections off the bat. The staff around here know his name and we have been remembering him in our meetings. We didn't know each other for long, but Rolf made a positive impact. I'll remember his special attention to the flowers and the cuttings he shared with me. 

Rolf came into my life in 1998 ,we met at a Habitat site and the place for the students had fallen through and he guided them out to Paradise Island ,telling me later he had to make sure they were safe.Ever since that day to different degrees he has been in my life.Adding to it in myriad ways.He will leave a big hole but there will be many memories that bring smiles.I know how he treasured his family and my sincerest condolences are enveloping you.

My deepest sympathies for your loss. During this difficult time, remember the comforting promise found in God's word at Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." This hope of a future free from suffering can bring a measure of peace as you grieve.