Dan Owen Roelofs of Lawrence, KS. died Nov 10th, 2019, peacefully with his family at his side. He was born Sept. 21, 1945 in Denver, CO to Harvey and Jane Roelofs.

Dan graduated from Denver Christian High School in 1963, followed by Central College in Pella Iowa, and Univ of Colorado in Boulder, where he graduated in 1968. He graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1972, later completing an anesthesia residency at KU Medical Center in 1975.

Dan met his wife, Beverly in Kansas City and they were married on Nov 24, 1973 in Maui, HI. They lived in Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS. for 23 years before moving to Lawrence, KS in 1998.

Dan practiced as an anesthesiologist at the KC VA Hospital for 21 years before joining Lawrence Anesthesia, PA. at Lawrence Memorial where he worked until his retirement in 2015. He especially enjoyed his time at the VA teaching KU residents on rotation. His patient and knowledgeable teaching skills were liked by all the residents. Dan also enjoyed his work at Lawrence Memorial and formed many great friendships with his co-workers. He was known for his gentle and quiet demeanor and his witty and sarcastic humor.

He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 46 years, and 3 children, Justin (Amy) Kauai, HI, Corey (Megan) Lawrence, and Kara Armato (Michael) Prairie Village, KS, 5 grandchildren, Naia, Nora, Grace, Owen and Harvey, a brother Bruce (Dora Lee), Carlsbad CA, a sister Peg Walther, Oceanside, CA , brother-in-law Bill Bierling (Harriet), Redding CA and many nieces and nephews in CA. Dan was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Myrna Bierling. Dan is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife and family who will forever hold him in their hearts. Although he was a great anesthesiologist, his children think his greatest accomplishment was being the best father they could have possibly had.

At Dan's request there will be a private family service in Oceanside, CA at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Douglas County Young Life or VNA Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Nov. 12, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan Roelofs

7 Entries

December 4, 2019

Not sure if anyone will get to see this anymore, so I'll elaborate. The last time I saw Dr Roelofs was at the Ace hardware on 6th. As always, his wit and his smile- he knew how to make someone feel at ease. When he retired he wrote a wonderful thank you card that hung in the L&D break room. I often wanted to take it home, because it showed how much he cared for his colleges, especially in a medical world where sometimes nurse got the brunt of some harsh words. He was never that, always patient and kind- even late into the night. so it is no surprise to read what people write here. His wife gave me a great email recipe for kale salad. He loved his family. I can only imagine him and Friesen in heaven, smirking as when new L&D nurse arrives. They put up with so many late night phone calls. But we knew, if it was a hard epidural to get, if Dr Roelofs showed up- then he'd get it...although sometimes it was a 'little heavy' as he didn't want another late night call from us! :) hahaha
I am sad. He was happy in his retirement and he was a wonderful anesthesiologist. My condolences

Linda Warren

November 18, 2019

Corey-your dad was not only a great Anesthesiologist but a kind man. My heart goes out to you and your family during this time.

Margo & Mark Brown & Jablonski

November 16, 2019

Bev and family, So sorry to hear about Dan. He was a wonderful man that we are so happy we got to know. I will think of him always with a smile on his face getting ready to laugh. He had so much kindness & love in his heart & soul.

Kathy Berwanger

November 16, 2019

Bev and family! We are very sorry for your loss! We are sending you hugs, love and prayers through this difficult time!
The Berwanger family

Tom Mason

November 12, 2019

I worked with Dr. Roelofs at the VA Medical Center Kansas City for ten years. A very professional and pleasant Physician.

Kathy & Jerry Willis

November 12, 2019

Bev and Family, We are very sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband and father. We know you will cherish the memories. Dan was a gentle soul. You are in our prayers.

November 11, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May your treasured memories of Dan always fill your heart with love and peace

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results