While he didn't live as long as some, Richard 'Rick' Rolfes, left his mark on this world. Rick, 67 of Merrill, Iowa passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

A celebration of Rick's life and his wise-guy personality will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home. Visitation with the family present will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Please dress casually as Rick's personal style was a cutoff shirt and shorts all year round.

Richard 'Rick' Allen Rolfes was brought into this world on September 30, 1958, the oldest of seven children to Andrew and Betty (Schroeder) Rolfes. Growing up on the farm, Rick was often in charge of farm chores and watching his younger siblings. His favorite was driving the tractor or taking his brothers fishing; and he found any excuse to avoid shoveling manure (not his word but we'll keep this PG).

Rick was less than enthusiastic about school and could often be found finding something better to do during daylight hours. His teen years were filled with late nights with friends and trying to sneak home after curfew, which he rarely pulled off past his mother.

Rick was a country boy at heart; he worked as a farm hand for many years. Later in life, he did some over the road trucking which led to hauling concrete. He retired after most recently driving for Dustar in Ireton. Rick drove several large pieces of equipment over the years which suited his 'granny driving' style. Rick had a love of NASCAR, cars, tractor pulls, and racing. He drove in several different races and demo derbies over the years but he wasn't quite competitive enough to always take first place. He did once beat a station wagon in a street race at Jefferson, SD. However, he was competitive enough to always get the last word in or have a quick comeback in a friendly conversation. If you were lucky enough to have a conversation with Rick, it was likely to be slightly inappropriate and probably sarcastic.

Rick was united in marriage to Janice Loutsch on April 10, 1985. Janice perfected her eye roll over the years while watching Rick lay it on thick when he was flirting with others. Even in the days before his death, he was charming all the female nurses. Even though he was a flirt, Janice was the love of his life.

Rick and Janice lived for many years off Hwy 3 in rural Plymouth County and later made their home in Merrill at the dead end of Hill Street. Rick may not have been a vocal man about his faith, but he would watch church on TV every Sunday.

Although Rick may have been stubborn and headstrong, he had a soft spot for his family, one beloved cat, Tippy, and he had an impressive green-thumb. Rick loved to garden and grew tons of produce that Janice would can. Rick was also the cook of the house; his specialty was soup. His meals were a bit bland until the kids were older and offered a few 'spicy' and flavorful suggestions.

Rick was never a stranger to anyone and he was a father-figure to many of his kids' childhood friends. While he may have needed to occasionally discipline his two sons; in his eyes, his daughter was always his little girl who did no wrong. They shared several special trips together attending the Super Nationals in Boone, IA. This trend of spoiling continued on even stronger with his one and only granddaughter.

Even though he may have grumbled more in his senior years when being out late, he never missed watching the grandkids race their go-karts.

Their family camped many times throughout Plymouth County and his family even got Rick to travel as far as Sioux County! True to his homebody nature, Rick never needed to go far to enjoy the outdoors. He did enjoy fishing, although his fishing skills were limited and he avoided time spent off dry land. Their family enjoyed the county fair and Rick helped for many years with the scrap cars for the Monster Truck event.

Rick and Janice bowled in many couple tournaments over the years, but he was never quite as good as his brother, Billy. Rick's favorite time was being at home, with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He was a 'large scale collector' of many items over the years, specifically fishing poles, toy tractors, and any other treasures he found at the many auctions he attended.

Rick hated social media and getting his picture taken, much to his family's dismay. Ironically, both his obituary and photo are being shared via social media. He also hated shaving and was always seen with a full beard.

Rick leaves behind many loved ones who loved him dearly and will remember him as a simple and flawed smart-aleck (again, not his word but keeping it PG).

Rick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Janice; three children (and definitely not in the order of favorites): Philip Rolfes, Elmer (Kaylynn) Rolfes, and Lisa (Roy Deike) Rolfes; two grandchildren: Camry and Carson Rolfes; his 'lil' buddy, Stan Utesch; five siblings: Jeanette (Dan) Dembinski, Tom (Julie) Rolfes, Cindy Van Der Weide, Billy Rolfes, and Carol Wood; siblings in law: Rosemary Mullane, Danny Loutsch, Barb (Gary) Heeren, Judy Loutsch, Phyllis (Bob) Newman, Roger Loutsch, Florence (John) Albrecht, Margie Perry, Tim Loutsch, Georgia (Corey) Steen, Brian (Doris) Loutsch, and Brad Loutsch; two sisters in law: Patti Loutsch and Denise (Kelly) Loutsch-Beitelspacher; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Rick greets again his parents; brother, Kevin 'Cubby' Rolfes; parents in law, Ronald and Lorna Loutsch; and brothers in law, Tony Loutsch, Joe Loutsch, and Brent Perry.