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Rachel L. Rolf Obituary – 6/19/2013


Rachel Lillian Dina Rolf, age 94, of Howard Lake, took the hand of the Lord and went to her eternal rest Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

She was born Nov. 18, 1918, at rural Henriette, the daughter of William J. and Katharina (Klein) Rolf. Rachel was baptized at home by the Rev. G.F. Luebker of Zion Lutheran in Pine City; and was confirmed in her faith on Pentecost, June 4, 1933, at Zion Lutheran in Mora.

After graduating from high school, Rachel became a teacher, with the first seven years of her teaching career at two country schools in Kanabec County. Later, she taught in public schools in Minnesota and California. Her 30 years of teaching in Lutheran schools were at Immanuel, Minneapolis; Zion, Maywood, CA; St. John, Chaska; and finally at St. James in Howard Lake, where she retired in 1983.

Teacher training began at Mora Normal School, and followed at various institutions including St. Cloud State, Concordia College in St. Paul, and Concordia College in River Forest, IL.

Rachel’s many interests included studying the Bible and Christian doctrine, music, and singing, and she treasured many Christian Bible-based hymns. She loved her church and “church family.” Being an active church member, she was involved with evangelism and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), and enjoyed going to LWML conventions. Sharing her faith and knowledge of the Bible, she led adult Bible studies and taught young children in Sunday school and vacation Bible school.

In the community, Rachel served on the committee for Home Based Services, and in 1985, helped organize the volunteer recycling program in Howard Lake.

Enjoying God’s nature, she always found joy in gardening. Spending time with relatives and friends was also very important to her.

Rachel was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses: Herman (Margaret) Rolf, Albert (Helen) Rolf, Hilda (Theodore) Stigen, Ella (Willard) Matson, Paul (Ione) Rolf, Aaron (Florencemae) Rolf, and Edwin Rolf; and several half-brothers and half-sisters.

She is survived by one sister-in-law, Louise (Edwin) Rolf; and by many dear nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.

A celebration of Rachel’s life took place Saturday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, with the Revs. Michael Nirva and David Taylor officiating. The organist was Nancy Butterfass, and Marge Stueven was soloist. Interment was at the Oakwood Cemetery, Mora.

Serving as pallbearers were Tim Rolf, Thomas Rolf, Larry Rolf, Dennis Stigen, John Lind and Dale Engel. Honorary pallbearers were Curtis Rolf, Arden Rolf, Robert Rolf, and James Stigen.

Arrangements were by the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake.

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