Father Robert Edwin Rolfes died on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Benedictine Living Community, Cold Spring.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud, with Bishop Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C., presiding. Burial will be at 3 p.m. that day in Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery, Freeport. A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, Aug. 21, with the vigil prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday morning, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Father Rolfes was born Dec. 1, 1950, in Freeport, Minnesota. He was the son of Amandus and Elizabeth (Silbernick) Rolfes. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School, Freeport; Saint John’s Preparatory School, Collegeville; Saint John’s University, Collegeville, and College of St. Thomas, St. Paul. He prepared for the priesthood at Saint John Vianney College Seminary, St. Paul, and Saint Paul Seminary, St. Paul. He earned a Licentiate in Canon Law from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada (1983-1985).
He was ordained a transitional deacon on May 30, 1976, and ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1977, both at Sacred Heart, Freeport, by Bishop George H. Speltz. His first Mass was May 29, 1977, at Sacred Heart, Freeport.
Father Rolfes served in the following pastoral assignments: associate pastor, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud, 1977-1983; chaplain of the Poor Clares at St. Clare’s Monastery, Sauk Rapids, 1985-1989; pastor, Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Rockville, 1989-2000; St. Mary Help of Christians, St. Augusta, 2000-2014; and St. Wendelin, Luxemburg, 2007-2008.
He held the offices of assistant chancellor, 1985-1997; judge and adjutant judicial vicar of the Tribunal, 1985-2023; vicar for development, 1993-1997; chancellor, 1997-2011; vicar for retired priests, 2005-2023; moderator of the Curia, 2008-2023; and vicar general, 2011-2023. He retired on February 2, 2023.
He also served on many diocesan committees and boards, including the College of Consultors, Pastoral Council, Presbyteral Council, Finance Council, Building Commission, Centennial Committee, Review Board, and Priests’ Personnel Board. He served as executive director of the Opus Dei annual fundraising campaign, as temporary parochial administrator of many parishes, and as master of ceremonies for major diocesan liturgies. He was a Faithful Friar and member of Father Pierz Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Father Bob was one of the lucky people who knew his Vocation from an early age. His goal was always to become a parish priest in the St. Cloud Diocese. In connecting with the parish people, he became a friend to all. He loved playing cards, especially solo and bridge. Father Bob was a lifelong Twins fan. He also enjoyed many vacations with Fathers Ralph, Tim and Geno and many other parish friends. His final pleasure was going to the family cabin where he would connect with his many nephews, nieces and cousins. Father Bob, you left an impression on everyone you met, and we will always remember you.
Father Rolfes is survived by his brother Charles (Chuck), sisters-in-law JoAnn Fynboh and Lucy Rolfes, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Melvin, Walter and Kenneth, and sister-in-law Joan.
Thank you for your service Fr. Bob. Found out that you had passed because I was trying to get in touch with you to ask for your much valued advice. Thank you especially for your work in St. Augusta taking care of my family there. Until we meet again, be in Peace.