John R. Rolffs, 92, of Willmar, MN, passed away Jan. 17, 2026. His funeral service was held at Rock of Life CRC at 11 a.m., Jan. 21, 2026.
John was a devoted man of faith whose life was firmly rooted in his love for the Lord. A faithful servant and active member of Rock of Life CRC, John lived each day guided by his belief in God’s grace, truth, and steadfast promises. His faith was not only something he professed, but something he practiced whole-heartedly through service, prayer, and genuine care for others. John’s presence at Rock of Life was a blessing to many. He gave freely of his time, energy, and heart, always eager to support his church family and to walk alongside others in their faith journeys. His unwavering trust in the Lord and his quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
John Richard Rolffs was born May 20, 1933, to Dick and Minnie (Jansen) Rolffs. John grew up on the family farm near Lynnville and Sully. He graduated from the Ludwick School south of Lynnville. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed for part of his military career in Germany. In 1952, he met Shirley Rooy under a tree on a rainy day at Bethel CRC in Oskaloosa. This encounter and a car ride home led to 70 years of blissful marriage. John and Shirley were married June 8, 1955. They farmed for several years, and then he began a long career with the Big Bear chain of stores in Iowa and Illinois. He was eventually transferred to the Big Bear Store in Willmar, MN, and they settled their family in that community. After his retirement, he began a business called John's Variety where he sold a large variety of used merchandise. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards with friends and family. He especially enjoyed his time in recent years with his cribbage buddies. John and Shirley have been forever grateful for the blessing of their three children, who were adopted as infants: Cindy, Rick, and Barb.
John is survived by his wife, Shirley Rolffs; his three children: Cindy (Roger) Groen, Rick (Deb) Rolffs, Barb (Tom) Leenstra, Cindy’s children and grandchildren: Heather (Adam) Ruplinger, Carter and MacKenzie; Janna (Brian) Punt, Blake, Wyatt, Brooklyn; Derrick (Jessica) Bulthuis, Maya, Brynli, Grayson, Tyson; Rick’s children and grandchildren: Zach (Amber) Rolffs, Emma; Tony (Amber) Rolffs; Devan, Riley, Eli, Ezekiel, Quentin; Jaylynn (Ryan) Schliep, Leia, Walker; Anna Patzoldt (fiancé, Logan Hartshorn); Barb’s children and grandchildren: Joe (Kelsey) Leenstra, Kallie, Tyler, Landen, Dylan; Jake (Amanda) Leenstra, Garrett, Lucy, Amelia, Gus. He is also survived by his siblings: Janet Jansen, Dorothy (Marion) Vos, Mildred Lanser; and his sister-in-law Janice Rolffs.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother Henrietta (Nieuwsma) Rolffs; his siblings: Henry (Hermina) Rolffs, Cornelia (Wilbur) Vos, Marvin Rolffs, and infant brother, Dale Eugene Rolffs; and brothers-in-law, Guy Jansen and Louis Lanser.
