Byron Eugene Rolf

Byron Eugene Rolf, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, at Cornerstone Villa, in Buhl, Minnesota.

Byron was born on November 22, 1935, to Ernest and Ella (Enerson) Rolf on his family’s farm in Trail, Minnesota. Along with three 3 sisters: Ruth, Sophie and Rosella; Byron attended school in both Trail, and Gully, Minnesota. At fourteen he was confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He was a good student with mostly straight "A"s. When he wasn't in school, he worked on the family farm. In his spare time, he liked a good game of marbles. He loved sports; he played softball as a pitcher for his local town team in the summer, and enjoyed bowling in the winter. In his adult years he was a big fan of most sports to include the Vikings Football, Northstar Hockey, Twins baseball, and local college Basketball. In later years he narrowed his attention to following NFL Football and followed the top golf league tournaments.

At seventeen he joined the United States Army. After completing his training as a Rifleman, Byron was stationed in Germany from 1953 to 1955. In the three years he was enlisted, he gained the rank of Technical Sergeant. After his service in the Army, using the GI Bill, Byron received formal training in Linotype Operation. Through his meticulous nature and attention to detail, he advanced from typesetting to editing for numerous newspapers in Minnesota, Wyoming and California, and then as production supervisor, for Park printing in Minneapolis.

Following his discharge from the Army, Byron returned to Minnesota, and soon met the love of his life, Betty Petterson. In August 1956, the two were married and began their family: Michael, Daniel, Cindy, and Bradley. During the following years the family had many opportunities to travel and experience America in the 60s and 70s. Byron loved to travel and he looked forward to the annual family road trips, where he, Betty and their children could explore nature and enjoy the natural wonders of the national parks. He liked to fish and was able to land a few big ones! Camping and sightseeing was the highlight of many activities and vacations in and around Minnesota, western and south western United States. There are too many to list, but all are cherished memories for the family. His number one priority was family and providing a loving home. Over the years, he ensured the extended family stayed connected, by frequent visits. Byron and Betty enjoyed the holidays and, whenever possible, wrote letters and called loved ones. Most recently Byron kept in contact through calls and social media on his iPhone.

In 1977 he began a second career working for the Inland Steel Mine, in Virginia, Minnesota. He became an expert in the operation of several types of heavy-duty mining equipment until his retirement. His hard work, long hours and dedication allowed Betty and himself to buy their dream home in Sandy Township. 

It was a big change for the family coming from the suburbs of Minneapolis to northern Minnesota, but the family fell in love with the area and lifestyle, making new friends and making memories for the next 48 years. Byron and Betty took great pride in all of their family and always ensured they enjoyed time together.

Byron retired in 1995, having provided well for his family; he and Betty together continued to enjoy traveling out west during the winter months. They spent most of their winter months at their favorite vacation location of Laughlin, Nevada. When home for the summers they would camp and fish at area lakes with family. One favorite location was Fisherman's Point campground in Hoyt Lakes, MN.

In the last few years, he became the primary caretaker during Betty's illness. He tirelessly cared for all her needs until she was in need of nursing home care.

Byron will be deeply missed by his two remaining sons; daughter-in-law; son-in-law; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; his two remaining sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will begin at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia with the viewing beginning at 1:00 p.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the Range Funeral Home Fellowship Hall. A private family burial will be scheduled in the Spring at the North Sandy Cemetery.