Stanley Rolfe Obituary

Stanley (Stan) T. Rolfe, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 23, 2023, in Valley, Nebraska.

Born in Chicago on July 7, 1934, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Williams in Kankakee, Illinois, and they married on August 11, 1956.

With Phyllis at his side, he earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering at The University of Illinois and began his career at U.S. Steel. In 1969, he and his family moved to Lawrence, Kansas. At The University of Kansas, he served as a long-time professor of civil engineering and in a variety of other roles for over four decades. He leaves behind a professional legacy that includes several editions of a co-authored textbook, numerous awards and recognitions, and induction into the National Academy of Engineering.

At KU, he became a diehard Jayhawks basketball and football fan regardless of their records. As with so many other interests, he passed his enthusiasm on to his family. Family was always of great importance to Stan. Annual family vacations to Vail, Colorado, surrounded by his wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought him great joy.

Stan's faith also was especially important to him whether it be attending services, Bible study, or serving on church committees and boards. He lived his Christian faith every day.

Stan was ever optimistic and grateful for whatever life sent his way and faced his final days with love and joy.

Stan is survived by Phyllis, his beloved and loving wife of more than 66 years, children David Rolfe (Brenda), Pam McCarville (Pat), and Kathy Vigil (Jeff) and 11 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and brothers Tom Rolfe and Richard Rolfe (Susan). He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kate. Stan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of his life will be held in Valley, Nebraska, at St. John's Catholic Church on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11AM. A celebration will also be held in early June 2023 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, Kansas, with details to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The University of Kansas School of Engineering–Civil Engineering Department or Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, Kansas 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.