Dan Owen Roelofs
Share
Dan Owen Roelofs of Lawrence, KS. died Nov 10th, 2019, peacefully with his family at his side. He was born Sept. 21, 1945 in Denver, CO to Harvey and Jane Roelofs.
Dan graduated from Denver Christian High School in 1963, followed by Central College in Pella Iowa, and Univ of Colorado in Boulder, where he graduated in 1968. He graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1972, later completing an anesthesia residency at KU Medical Center in 1975.
Dan met his wife, Beverly in Kansas City and they were married on Nov 24, 1973 in Maui, HI. They lived in Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS. for 23 years before moving to Lawrence, KS in 1998.
Dan practiced as an anesthesiologist at the KC VA Hospital for 21 years before joining Lawrence Anesthesia, PA. at Lawrence Memorial where he worked until his retirement in 2015. He especially enjoyed his time at the VA teaching KU residents on rotation. His patient and knowledgeable teaching skills were liked by all the residents. Dan also enjoyed his work at Lawrence Memorial and formed many great friendships with his co-workers. He was known for his gentle and quiet demeanor and his witty and sarcastic humor.
He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 46 years, and 3 children, Justin (Amy) Kauai, HI, Corey (Megan) Lawrence, and Kara Armato (Michael) Prairie Village, KS, 5 grandchildren, Naia, Nora, Grace, Owen and Harvey, a brother Bruce (Dora Lee), Carlsbad CA, a sister Peg Walther, Oceanside, CA , brother-in-law Bill Bierling (Harriet), Redding CA and many nieces and nephews in CA. Dan was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Myrna Bierling. Dan is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife and family who will forever hold him in their hearts. Although he was a great anesthesiologist, his children think his greatest accomplishment was being the best father they could have possibly had.
At Dan’s request there will be a private family service in Oceanside, CA at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Douglas County Young Life or VNA Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Bev, I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you and Dan over the past 6 months. He was such an incredible man and I loved laughing with you both. I’m so sorry for your loss but I’m happy he’s finally at peace. Hugs and Prayers for your family.
Bev and Roelofs family,
Will always remember Dan as a true
gentleman. So calm under pressure
with an unrivaled sense of humor.
Yet his family was his greatest priority.
A great loss to our group when he retired
and a greater loss to his family and friends
now. So sorry for your loss
Bev and family, John and I are saddened to learn of Dan’s passing. He was a joy to have in our neighborhood. Always so friendly and helpful. I’ll always remember him on his “giant” standing lawn mower! He had a great sense of humor and will be missed. Thinking of you with love and friendship.
John & Sheila Immel
Bev and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Dan was a true role model for me during my residency training in anesthesiology with his qualities of integrity, commitment, honesty, enthusiasm, and his wry humor. He had this sincere desire to be involved with residents which we picked up on, and he was always approachable, and had a dedication to take the time to share his skills and expertise with each of us. I will always remember how calm he was in the midst of chaos, and so compassionate, and caring. He enriched our lives, and he made a difference in the lives of so many through work- the countless residents he taught and was a mentor to, and the 1000s of patients he cared for. He leaves a remarkable legacy that will remain with many for years to come.
Kirk Benson
Bev and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Dan. My thought and prayers are with you and the children at this time. I will give you a call soon and hopefully we can get together.
Bev,
I am so incredibly sad to hear of Dan’s passing. He was such a kind man, always smiling and very genuine. In the short time I was able to know him, he would always bring a smile to my face. Our family loved watching him work in his yard. He was so good tending to the grass and the bushes and flowers. Beautiful like his soul. He was a true inspiration and a true gentleman. Please know of our prayers for you and your family at this time. May the Lord’s peace rest in your hearts and your minds as you walk this journey. Much love!
Riley and Julia Scott
Bev and family, I am so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing, I know it has been a very difficult period for Dan and your family. It was a privilege to be your neighbor and for many years an associate of Dan’s. He always put patient care first, was a gentle , caring practitioner and made LMH the caring institution we are so proud of. You are all in our prayers as he has been. Thanks you for sharing him with us for many years.
Bev: I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband and sorry I never got to meet him. What a nice tribute to him here. Hugs to you and your family.
Bev, I was saddened and surprised to learn of Dan’s passing. I was fortunate to spend a bit of time socially with you and Dan; he took great care with my well-being twice as a medical professional.— Dan was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by many.
Bev and family,
My heart aches for you all in the loss of Dan. Though I never really knew him personally, there is tremendous beauty in the comments preceding mine regarding his professional and personal time with us..the greatest legacy being his “dad above all” to his children. May God’s great comfort hold you all so close in this raw and difficult time as well as in the days forward.
To the Roelofs Family,
I am a Maternal/Child RN that worked with Dr.Roelofs for many years at LMH. Dr. Roelofs always had a great bedside manor with all of our patients. We all loved his sense of humor and his true commitment to his work, always doing a wonderful job! Dr.Roelofs would often talk about his beautiful family and how proud he was of you! So very sorry for your great loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Sincerely, Dianne Gonser
ROELOFS FAMILY. A GREAT GENTLEMAN. RIP. KEN WERTZBERGER
Dan was a gem of a Human Being. Enjoyed so much knowing him.
May his love and spirit continue to inspire you Bev & your family always.