Obituary for Henry Morris "Hank" Roelofs
Henry “Hank” Morris Roelofs of Mound MN and Venice FL, born May 17, 1939, passed from this life on October 4, 2022 at the age of 83 surrounded by his family.
He was born in Adrian MN and after graduating from Adrian High School in 1957, he served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961. After his service, he worked with Western Electric where he converted “party” telephone lines to private. He met his wife Janet (Lindemann) and in 1965 they were married and started to raise their family shortly thereafter.
Hank is survived by his wife Janet of 56 years, son David (Amy) Roelofs of Mound MN and daughter, Rebecca (Kenneth) Nelms of Minnetonka MN, and two grandsons Zachary Nelms (10) and Gerrit Roelofs (9) who will be forever known as “Grandpa’s Boys”. He is also survived by sister Joy (Don) Viessman of Worthington MN, bother Timothy (Melba) Roelofs of Sneads Ferry NC, several cousins, nieces, nephews and too many friends to count. Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit Walter Roelofs and Margaret Roelofs (Moret) and sister Donna and brother-in-law Dale Brunk of Sheldon IA.
Whether you knew him as Henry, Morrie, Hank, brother, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, cousin or friend - he has moved on to a much better place. Hank was known for his hospitality, warm welcome and offered a big heart for all that crossed paths with him. After raising their family in Mound MN, Hank retired and then he and Janet built a summer home on Mille Lacs Lake in northern MN and began spending the winter months in Venice FL. They sold their home on Mille Lacs Lake and moved back to Mound MN to be closer to “Grandpa’s Boys” during the summer months and over the holidays.
Always putting relationships first, he often took care of the needs of others, even before his own. His career varied over the years - from selling conversion vans and accessories in the 70’s, Donut Man mini-donut machines in the 80-90s to becoming co-owner of Quantum Labs, Incorporated based in the Twin Cities. While he retired many years ago, Hank stayed very connected with his business partners offering help, keeping busy by fixing things around the house, running his first (of many) marathons at the age of 60, lending a hand to help others and spending as much time as he could with his family. He especially loved watching his grandsons grow up; more recently watching Zach working hard to earn his yellow and green belts in Karate and going to as many of Gerrit’s hockey games and practices as he could. He will be missed by many.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this very difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Mayo Clinic or to the American Cancer Society.
A private family burial will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow for family and friends at Lord Fletchers in Spring Park MN from 1:30-4:00 pm.
He was born in Adrian MN and after graduating from Adrian High School in 1957, he served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961. After his service, he worked with Western Electric where he converted “party” telephone lines to private. He met his wife Janet (Lindemann) and in 1965 they were married and started to raise their family shortly thereafter.
Hank is survived by his wife Janet of 56 years, son David (Amy) Roelofs of Mound MN and daughter, Rebecca (Kenneth) Nelms of Minnetonka MN, and two grandsons Zachary Nelms (10) and Gerrit Roelofs (9) who will be forever known as “Grandpa’s Boys”. He is also survived by sister Joy (Don) Viessman of Worthington MN, bother Timothy (Melba) Roelofs of Sneads Ferry NC, several cousins, nieces, nephews and too many friends to count. Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit Walter Roelofs and Margaret Roelofs (Moret) and sister Donna and brother-in-law Dale Brunk of Sheldon IA.
Whether you knew him as Henry, Morrie, Hank, brother, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, cousin or friend - he has moved on to a much better place. Hank was known for his hospitality, warm welcome and offered a big heart for all that crossed paths with him. After raising their family in Mound MN, Hank retired and then he and Janet built a summer home on Mille Lacs Lake in northern MN and began spending the winter months in Venice FL. They sold their home on Mille Lacs Lake and moved back to Mound MN to be closer to “Grandpa’s Boys” during the summer months and over the holidays.
Always putting relationships first, he often took care of the needs of others, even before his own. His career varied over the years - from selling conversion vans and accessories in the 70’s, Donut Man mini-donut machines in the 80-90s to becoming co-owner of Quantum Labs, Incorporated based in the Twin Cities. While he retired many years ago, Hank stayed very connected with his business partners offering help, keeping busy by fixing things around the house, running his first (of many) marathons at the age of 60, lending a hand to help others and spending as much time as he could with his family. He especially loved watching his grandsons grow up; more recently watching Zach working hard to earn his yellow and green belts in Karate and going to as many of Gerrit’s hockey games and practices as he could. He will be missed by many.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this very difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Mayo Clinic or to the American Cancer Society.
A private family burial will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow for family and friends at Lord Fletchers in Spring Park MN from 1:30-4:00 pm.