Stanley “Stan” T. Rolfe
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A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, Kansas. A reception will follow the service. A family burial will take place at Pioneer Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas.
Stanley (Stan) T. Rolfe, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 23, 2023, in Valley, Nebraska.
Born in Chicago on July 7, 1934, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Williams in Kankakee, Illinois, and they married on August 11, 1956.
With Phyllis at his side, he earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering at The University of Illinois and began his career at U.S. Steel. In 1969, he and his family moved to Lawrence, Kansas. At The University of Kansas, he served as a long-time professor of civil engineering and in a variety of other roles for over four decades. He leaves behind a professional legacy that includes several editions of a co-authored textbook, numerous awards and recognitions, and induction into the National Academy of Engineering.
At KU, he became a diehard Jayhawks basketball and football fan regardless of their records. As with so many other interests, he passed his enthusiasm on to his family. Family was always of great importance to Stan. Annual family vacations to Vail, Colorado, surrounded by his wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought him great joy.
Stan’s faith also was especially important to him whether it be attending services, Bible study, or serving on church committees and boards. He lived his Christian faith every day.
Stan was ever optimistic and grateful for whatever life sent his way and faced his final days with love and joy.
Stan is survived by Phyllis, his beloved and loving wife of more than 66 years, children David Rolfe (Brenda), Pam McCarville (Pat), and Kathy Vigil (Jeff) and 11 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and brothers Tom Rolfe and Richard Rolfe (Susan). He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kate. Stan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of his life will be held in Valley, Nebraska, at St. John’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The University of Kansas School of Engineering–Civil Engineering Department or Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, Kansas and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
My most heartfelt condolences to Phyllis and the entire Rolfe family
on Stan’s passing.
Stan was the most important mentor and colleague for me over my academic
and professional career starting in 1978 when he hired me at KU.
In those early years at KU, Stan prompted my interest in the field of fracture
mechanics which has also become the lifelong focus of my academic career.
What a profoundly wonderful impact Stan had on my life ! Stan’s
thoughtful, wise guidance helped me through the most key
decisions along my career path.
Even more importantly, Stan was always the kindest colleague imaginable.
During the many conversations and visits we enjoyed over the decades, the
love for his family was ever present in our talks.
I last spoke with Stan on December 15. He seemed in great spirits
(as always), positive, upbeat and reflected that he had enjoyed
the most wonderful life.
I will miss my mentor, colleague, friend, and be forever grateful that
our paths crossed in life.
Robert (Bob) Dodds, PhD, NAE
KU CE faculty 1979-1987.
Univ. Illinois, CE faculty 1987-2012 (Head, 2004-2009)
2000 Calico Ct.
Longmont, CO 80503
720-556-7775
rhdodds@gmail.com
Phyllis, My deepest condolences for your loss. David, Pam and Cathy… I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad. Memories of your Dad, always with your Mom, go back many decades from babysitting to Learned Hall, Endacott Society, and even running into your family in Vail. His infectious smile seemed to enter rooms before he did… You are in my thoughts and prayers at this tough time…
Phyllis, Pam, David, and Kathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you grieve the loss of Stan. He was an amazing man, a wonderful husband, and father. May the memories that you shared together bring you comfort, strength, and peace.
As I remember Stan was hired by Bob Smith as a distinguished professor. I had the privilege of serving as his assistant chair while he was chairman of CEAE. He was a delight to work for and never lorded over anyone. He served our students and faculty with distinction. He will be missed but I look forward to our next meeting in heaven. PS: Stan was also a good athlete. I enjoyed playing basketball and I think softball with him.
Phyllis, David, Pam and Kathy,
My heart goes out to each of you on the loss of your husband and father. He will be greatly missed.
Stan was a great teammate during our many years of playing together on the Plymouth Rocks softball team. He was a stalwart third baseman and an integral part of several church state championships, plus an enthusiastic participant in two world tournaments in Mobile and Dallas.
He also was beyond generous in entrusting me to edit, as a very green and inexperienced college student, an engineering textbook he authored. He was an accomplished academician and administrator, an always-upbeat teammate and a great friend. My condolences to you all.
Phyllis, Pam, David, Cathy and families-
So many fond memories in your household and remembering your dad as being such a big part of that. He always had a smile and I did not know sometimes if he was serious or kidding but he made me feel welcome. You certainly had a wonderful role model as a dad but also as a good human being who cared about others. He was always so proud of all of you. He had to catch me up when I saw him in the store or around town. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of Stan. He was always generous with his time and his thoughts. Stan was a brilliant man who taught me several things, but the best lesson he taught me was the importance of curiosity. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
I had the benefit of Stan’s friendship starting in the time of our mid ages. A good part of our relationship was based on our serving together on Plymouth Church on various boards and committees, and on Rotary committees. I learned enough about him to know he was the consummate husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor, athlete, KU supporter,Plymouth supporter, and gentleman. Virginia & I extend all our condolences to Phyllis and family.
My favorite memory of Stan was from when I was a graduate student. Stan was world famous for his knowledge of fracture mechanics and was in great demand for his consultation services. One day he told me that he had more consulting work than he wanted and that he had recommended me to several of the people seeking his help. His one requirement (a great example of his sense of humor) was “you can’t charge more than I do.”
Phyllis, our hearts go out to you and the family at Stan’s passing. What a wonderful soul. Stan helped me in so many ways in and through ministry, teaching, mentoring, prayer. Stan was always ready to lend an ear or a hand, even coming over to the house and assessing potential settling in one spot and guiding me to the best decision solving the problem. Stan’s heart, demeanor and thoughtfulness have often inspired me, his ability to see through things to their innermost workings be they in teaching and scientific endeavors, in church at Plymouth (and before then at First Presbyterian), and in relationships. Stan was gifted in fostering strong, long-term friendships, caring and loving relationships, and we are graced to have walked with him – even though all too briefly – in this life. What a blessing Stan has been.
Phyllis and family,
I fondly remember the several snow skiing trips to colorado with Stan, especially the time were at top of Abasin and a white out hit us as we exited the lift.
David: and entire Rolfe family….. I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad…. many years ago we were very close during Lawrence High Band…
Please know God has him now… Big hugs and many prayers….. Bless you all… Ed Bartley…