Jerome “Jerry” Rolfes

01/31/1934 –

02/25/2014

Bernard T. Meiners, 95 of Coon Rapids, died Monday, September 1, 2025 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids surrounded by his family.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. The Celebrant will be Fr. Patrick Behm, assisted by Deacon Louis Meiners. Music will be by Jane Heithoff and the St. Joseph’s Choir. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Jill Klein. Gift Bearers will be Talina Haskins, Caitlin ThongVahn, and Amanda Meiners. Casket Bearers will be Brian Meiners, Ben Meiners, Aaron Meiners, Lucas Meiners, Jason Nees, Mike Nees, Ryan Schultes, Tyler Schultes, Jordan Schultes, Justin Meiners, and Trenton Meiners. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dedham with military honors conducted by the Dedham American Legion.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a rosary at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Joseph’s Church on Friday morning where additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Bernard’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.

Jerome “Jerry” Rolfes, 80, formerly of Halbur, died Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2014, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. The celebrant will be Fr. Steve Brodersen. Music will be by Marcy Anderson, and the St. Augustine Choir. Mass Servers will be Jerry’s grandchildren: Mariah Koster, Evan Koster, and Hunter Rolfes. Lectors will be Jerry’s son, Jason Rolfes and granddaughter, Madi Rolfes. Gift Bearers will be Jerry’s grandchildren: Christopher Rolfes, Alex Rolfes and Gage Rolfes. Eucharistic minister will be Jerry’s son-in-law, Randy Starman. Casketbearers will be Jerry’s grandchildren: Nicole Larsen, Dave Starman, Matt Starman, Erica Starman, Katie Barton, Kelsey Barton, Amanda Johnson, Jessica Johnson, and Cody Rolfes. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. where there will be a Rosary and Prayer Service at 6 p.m.

The casket will be moved to St. Augustine Church in Halbur at 9 a.m. Saturday, where visitation will resume until the time of the funeral mass.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for Jerry’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.

Jerry was born on January 31, 1934, the son of William and Anna (Prenger) Rolfes. He attended St. Augustine School, and graduated from Carroll High School. After completing his education he began working with his father in the tavern in Halbur and eventually became sole owner in 1962. On October 1, 1960 he was united in marriage to Beverly Heim. In March 1968 he sold the business, and moved to Carroll where he managed the Carroll Elks Club for a short time. On September 1, 1968, he joined the Carroll County State Bank where he held the position of Assistant Vice President until 1988. In 1990 he relocated to the Des Moines area. Jerry enjoyed Iowa State Athletics, playing cards, listening to music, and taking care of his yard, but most of all he will be remembered for the love he shared with his family. He was a current member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee, and former member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, and St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Left to celebrate his life are his children: Pam (Randy) Starman of Carroll, Sharyl (Scott) Barton of Grimes, Annette (Mike) Falor of Waukee, Dawn (Jeff) Koster of Carroll, Steven (Cathy) Rolfes of Council Bluffs, and Jason (Janelle) Rolfes of Carroll; 17 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren; his brother, Ron (Wanita) Rolfes of Minnesota; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Jerry was preceded in death by: his parents, his siblings: Orville Rolfes, Esthlyn Kaus, LaVerne Rolfes, Dorothy Goyette, and William Rolfes, Jr., as well as his siblings in infancy: Evelyn, Evelyn Ann, and Kathryn Ann.

Church Service

Friday, September 5, 2025 10:30 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Burial

Sharp Funeral Home ~ Carroll, Iowa

226 W. 8th St., Carroll, IA, 51401

712-792-4301

[email protected]

https://www.sharpfuneral.com

Church Service

Thursday, September 4, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Sharp Funeral Home – Carroll
226 W. 8th St, Carroll, IA 50401

Friday, September 5, 2025
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Obituary

Born March 31, 1930, he was the son of Bernard and Catherine (Rotert) Meiners. He grew up in the Dedham-Willey area and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Willey in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army July 8, 1953 and was stationed at Wurzburg, Germany. He was discharged on May 20, 1955.

Bernard married Dolores S. Halbur on January 24, 1956 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. After being married Bernard and Dolores lived 3 miles north of Dedham for two years. In 1958, they moved to the farm they purchased four miles east of Dedham. They were the parents of six children: Daniel, Dale, David, Cathleen, Christine, and Gary. Dolores passed away January 21, 1978.

On August 9, 1980, Bernard married Marita Eickman at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. In May 2011, Bernard and Marita moved off the farm into the town of Coon Rapids, Iowa. They made their home there for 14 years. In April 2025, they moved to Parkview Assisted Living in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

During Bernard’s lifetime, he farmed, had a dairy operation, had a cow/calf operation, and raised hogs. He retired in 1992. He is a current member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Dedham, a member of the Dedham American Legion Post #20, and a member of the Manning VFW. In July 2001 Bernard, being a Korean Veteran, had the privilege to go on the Military Honor Flight to Washington DC. Just recently he was presented with a Quilt of Valor at Thomas Rest Haven, and at the age of 95 he still enjoyed attending the Legion meetings.

Bernard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holiday gatherings were a treat for him to get to see most of them at one time. In his spare time Bernard enjoyed gathering black walnuts in the fall and kept busy shelling the walnuts during the winter. Family and friends benefited from the fruits of his labor.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marita Meiners; his children, Dale (Mary) Meiners of Carroll, David (Jane) Meiners of Varna, IL, Cathleen (Larry) Nees of Coon Rapids, Christine (Mark) Schultes of Dedham, and Gary (Barb) Meiners of Manson; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren with 2 more coming in October; a brother Anthony (Colleen) Meiners of Carroll; 2 sisters, Catherine Wittrock of Carroll and Marcella Naberhaus of Carroll; his sisters-in-laws, Margaret (Tom) Denker of Manning, and Pat (Joe) Goblirsch of Jesup. He is also survived by Marita’s children, Richard (Sandy) Eickman of Omaha, NE, James (Joni) Eickman of Dyer, TN, Dave (Joan) Eickman of Macungie, PA, Randy (Rose) Eickman of Coon Rapids, Nancy Eickman and Jim Springer of Warren, NJ, and Karen Heck of Delano, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernard was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores S. Meiners; a son Daniel J. Meiners; Marita’s son Bill Eickman; his parents Bernard and Catherine Meiners; his brothers John (Margaret) Meiners, Albert (Frances) Meiners; his brothers-in-law Clarence Wittrock, Norbert Naberhaus, Cletus (Emaline) Halbur, Norman (Inez) Halbur, Larry (JoAnn) Halbur; his brother-in-law, William (Marie) Halbur; Dolores’ parents, William and Frances Halbur, and stepmother-in-law, Josephine Halbur.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernard T. Meiners, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Tribute Wall

Please extend my deepest sympathy to all the family!! Although I never met their father, I have met several of his children. Have played in a golf tournament with Steve at Briarwood in Ankeny, went to Chicago with Pam and had a great time, went to a great party at Annette/Steve house in Waukee, and have heard much about Dawn and Jason. My best friend, Sharry, and I have played many rounds of golf together along with hours of deep discussions and much laughter as we tried to solve the world's problems. Heck, she taught me how to play 3 card poker! All you need to know about Jerry is what you've observed through his children. Jerry's legacy is indeed his fine family. They are a fun loving, hard working, wonderful family and that speaks volumes about both parents. Again please accept my condolences for the loss of your Dad and may you remember the fond memories of him.

Toni Gross – February 26 2014 at 4:40 PM

From Kay and Robert Rolfes of Port Hueneme, CA... Please accept our heart felt sympathy to all the Rolfes Family! During visits to the farmland, Jerry could always be counted on for friendship, hospitality, and support. His legacy is the wonderful family that he leaves behind. Our love and best wishes go to all who knew and loved him. Sincerely, /s/ Kay & Bob

Robert Rolfes – February 27 2014 at 10:46 AM

Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of your father. We are truly grateful to Jerry for producing his son Steve, who is a wonderful husband to our daughter Cathy and a great father to our two grandchildren, Alex and Christopher. May Jerry rest in peace. Bill and Terry Carr

Bill and Terry Carr – February 27 2014 at 10:48 AM

Wow 80yrs old! That's a good run! May very dear Uncle Jerry rest in peace. I will always remember his kindness and loving heart. Very warm regards to all my beautiful cousins in Iowa and the Midwest. Loving Cousin George J. Rolfes Dallas, Texas

George J. Rolfes – February 28 2014 at 5:53 PM

To All the Rolfes Children, How could I ever forget all the babysitting at the Rolfes home on Marcella Heights. I remember your dad standing outside on the driveway, to make sure I always got to my home safely, in the wee hours of the morning. Gosh, we only lived next door! Those were some long card parties with the Halbur clan. We spent fun times together as neighbors. Your Dad was a kind man and friendly neighbor, always there to lend a helping hand to my Dad. He spent hours outside tending to his yard, and whatever project he had going. What a building project his bridge across the creek was! All so we could get across without falling in. My you cherish all those special memories and share with your children. Your Friend, Karen (Lenz) Zubrod

Karen Zubrod – March 01 2014 at 10:01 AM

Obituaries