A life so rare and genuine will never be forgotten.

Robert John Roloff entered into eternal glory with his Savior whom he served all his life, on Monday, November 2nd, 2009, as a result of a fatal collision between his car and a semi tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 41 near Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was returning to his home in Green Bay following a meeting of the American Foundry Society in Menasha, Wisconsin.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter H. and Florence E. Roloff, and by his eldest brother, Harold W. Roloff, all of Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Robert leaves his loving wife, Roberta Krempin Roloff, whom he married in Delafield, Wisconsin, on October 24th, 1959. Robert and Roberta – known to their friends and family as Bob and Bobbie – had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

He also leaves his cherished only son, W. Kevin Roloff and daughter-in-law, Brenda L. Roloff, and the delight of his life, his 2 ½ year-old grandson, Andrew L. Roloff, of Shoreview, Minnesota.

Robert loved his siblings; and he claimed his in-laws as brothers and sisters in this closely knit family. Those surviving are Kenneth (Barbara) Roloff, and Mernie Roloff, wife of deceased brother, Harold, all of Kaukauna, Wisconsin; and Carol "Mitzi" (Douglas) Hansen of Bonita Springs, Florida.

He is also survived by brother-in-law, Pastor George (Rita) Krempin of Green Bay, and sister-in-law, Janice Krempin (Bishop Emeritus J. Philip) Wahl of Columbus, Ohio. His most dear mother-in-law, Clara Krempin preceded him in death, as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roland and Thelma Krempin Vogt. Also preceding him in death was a beloved family friend, Maestro Miroslav Pansky of the U.S. and Europe.

Surviving him also are beloved nieces and nephews, and their children: Nancie Roloff Keenan (deceased special friend, George Converse) of Groton, Connecticut; David (Pam) Roloff of Kaukauna, Wisconsin; Christopher (Angie) Roloff of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; James (Laurie) Vogt of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin; Jeffrey (Mary Anne) Vogt of Black Creek, Wisconsin; Hilary (Rick) Mucino of Chicago, Illinois; Arthur (Josephine) Wahl of Grosse Ile, Michigan; Katherine (Michael) Geiser of Columbus, Ohio; Roberta (Craig) Mooney of Detroit, Michigan; and Jennifer Krempin (Benjamin) Bridgman of Alexandria, Virginia.

Robert was inducted into the Kaukauna High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements in football, basketball, boxing, and track. Following his high school graduation, Robert served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. His love of aviation led him to obtain his private pilot certificate with countless hours logged as pilot-in-command of single-engine aircraft. His many other interests included hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing, snowmobiling, and cruising his boat on Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay. He was a member and stockholder of the Little Suamico Hunting and Fishing Club; a Ducks Unlimited Sponsor for over 25 years; and a Lifetime Member of the World Musky Hunt.

First English Lutheran Church of Appleton, Wisconsin, was Robert's and Roberta's spiritual home. They both served the church in many ways. Robert served two three-year terms on the Congregation Council, and also served as a co-trustee of the church's Trust Fund.

In 1960, Robert was the founder and Charter President of the Kaukauna Kiwanis Club, and he also served a second term as President in 2000-2001. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the High Cliff State Park Association, having served as Secretary and President. He was also appointed to the Association's Advisory Board and Community Foundation. Robert served as a Director, and Past Director, of the Kaukauna Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Robert served on the Kaukauna Electric Utility Board until he and Roberta moved to Green Bay in 1991.

Robert spent his entire career working for the family-owned foundry Roloff Manufacturing Corporation of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, as sales director, Vice President, President, and finally as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He retired from Roloff Manufacturing in January, 2008, after 58 years in the business. He had been a member of the American Foundry Society (AFS) since 1950; and in that year he received the Foundry Educational Foundation Scholarship. He served the Northeastern Wisconsin Chapter of AFS in several positions and committees including Vice President, President, Co-Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, Programming, Publicity, and Annual Outings. In 1980, Robert was named the Chapter's Outstanding Member. In 2004, he received the AFS Life Service Membership award.

On the day of his death, he attended his first meeting of the Village of Allouez Economic Development Committee, in which he had enthusiastically planned to participate.

He was a spiritual, community-minded citizen and leader, who deeply loved his family, friends, and above all his Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. The world was a better place with Bob in it, and he will be greatly missed.

Friends may call at First English Lutheran Church, corner of North and Drew Streets, Appleton from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Mary Bauer officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Green Bay. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

The Roloff family has designated memorial gifts toward: First English Lutheran Church Youth Program, The Arthur Krempin School of Music and Art, Lutheran World Relief, The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, The Fox Valley Symphony, The Northeastern Wisconsin Land Trust, or as you are inclined.