Leslie Rolfson

Leslie Michael Rolfson, 82, passed into the hands of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

He was born on July 17, 1941 in Austin, Minnesota to his parents Neil and Isla Rolfson. Les was the third of eight children and grew up near Brownsdale on a farm ran by his dad and his Grandfather Guy.

He attended school in Austin and graduated from Pacelli High School. After high school, he attended Austin Junior College and then began work for Ulland Brothers Construction Company. In 1964, Les was drafted into the Army. That same year, he married Barbara Olson on June 13th and they were stationed together at Fort Walter's in Texas. Les was sent to VietNam in August of 1965, where he was stationed at Com Rahn Bay. He finished his service with the Army in January of 1966, and began a career at IBM in Rochester, Minnesota. Les took on many roles from machinist to management during his 25 years at IBM. He retired from IBM on March 28, 1991.

Les also had a second full-time occupation during his time at IBM, and after retirement was able to completely focus on what he truly loved. Farming. With the help of his four sons and the best equipment John Deere could offer, Les farmed until he retired in the fall of 2022.

His greatest joy was anything John Deere! He participated in tractor pulls, tractor drives, and often gathered with his friends at tractor shows. He collected a series of two-cylinder John Deere tractors from the 50's and was very proud of them. Les could always be found with his tractors at the "Days of YesterYear" show held at the Olmsted County History Center. When he wasn't working with his tractors, Les and Barb could be seen cruising around Pine Island in their John Deere Gator.

Les also spent many hours tending to his huge garden. He grew large amounts of tomatoes, green beans and potatoes which he readily shared with friends and family. Les and Barb also spent time making salsa, pickles, and canning everything.

Les loved fishing and went on many fishing trips in Canada with his farming friends. He also took his boat "Up North" to spend time at a resort on Lake Vermillion. This became an annual gathering place for Les and Barb, their children, and grandchildren. Many wonderful times were had by the Rolfson family "Up North"!

Les is survived by his wife Barbara, Sons Ronald (Kelley),Jeffrey and Steven. Grandchildren Gwen, Isla and Josselyn Rolfson, as well as Great Grandson Everett Kroll (Hailey and Christin Kroll). Other family members are brother John (Sandy), and sisters Sr. Helen, Ann Schiefert, Trish (Fred) Prom and Merle. Sisters-in-law Elizabeth Rolfson and Kathy Rolfson, along with many loved nieces and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by both of his parents; brothers Tom and Rich; and his son Michael.

He was true to his Christian faith and is now with his Lord.

A memorial mass will be said for Les Rolfson at 11:00 AM on Monday July 8th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester. The Reverend Tom Loomis shall serve as the celebrant.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will occur at a later date at St. Michael's Catholic Church Cemetery near Pine Island.