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Elmer Henry Rolloff Jr.

Elmer Henry Rolloff Jr., age 91, of New Ulm, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 18, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.

Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor Jeffrey Bovee will officiate, and burial will follow in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm.

Full military honors will be provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes-North Chapel in New Ulm. The visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Elmer is survived by his wife, Marlene Rolloff of New Ulm; his daughters, Julie Rolloff of New Ulm, Pam (Vern) Kitzberger of New Ulm; his sons, Paul (Jo Christensen) Rolloff of New Ulm, Scott (Diane) Rolloff of New Ulm; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Edwards of New Ulm, Betty Lentz of Maple Grove; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Charleen Holmen; and his brothers-in-law, Donald Edwards and Bruce Lentz.

Elmer Henry Rolloff Jr. was born on May 10, 1931, to Elmer Sr. and Irma (Steinberg) Rolloff at his grandmother’s house in New Ulm. He grew up on a small farm near Essig until 1934, when the family moved to New Ulm. While growing up in New Ulm, Elmer was a New Ulm Daily Journal carrier from 1942-1945. He attended grade school at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, and was a 1949 graduate from New Ulm High School. His father established Rolloff Electric in 1945, which is where Elmer learned the trade from his father working beside him before and after school each day. After graduation, Elmer joined the National Guard in 1950 and went with the unit to Alabama. He proudly served his country during the time of the Korean War, when he attained the rank of first sergeant and was awarded a Bronze Star Metal of Valor while serving with the 7th Infantry in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Upon his return, Elmer met the love of his life, Marlene Wille, and was united in marriage on Jan. 23, 1954, at a country church near Lucan. This union blessed the couple with two daughters and two sons whom together they raised in New Ulm. Elmer was hired as a maintenance electrician at Kraft Foods in New Ulm, but remained active working with his father at Rolloff Electric. In 1968, when his father passed, Elmer took over the business, which he operated until his last day. Elmer was well-known in the area for his sense of humor, his stories, and willingness to give the shirt off his back or give advice to anyone in need. He was proud of his German heritage,and took many trips to Germany. Elmer was a proud American and a lifelong defender of the American flag as well. For more than 35 years, Elmer and his family operated kiddie rides as a hobby on his farm for group picnics, town celebrations, and private gatherings. He was best known as the engineer of his own railroad, which had a gas engine and two passenger cars, and was always a thrill to the youngsters with his ability to blow the train horn by touching his nose or tugging his ear. A proud moment in Elmer’s life was being featured on the television show, American Pickers. As an avid outdoorsman, Elmer loved any opportunity he had to be in nature. Between running a wildlife reserve, planting trees, hunting, or simply going for a hike in the woods, he relished every opportunity he could to be immersed in nature. Elmer was a proud member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the New Ulm American Legion, the Farm City Hub Club, Brown County Historical Society, and the Junior Pioneers. Besides all of Elmer’s unique hobbies and work, what truly brought him the most joy in life was his family. He loved every moment he had with them, and loved getting to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Although Elmer lived a strong and active 91 years, his passing is still hard for all who knew him. Though he is gone from our lives, countless cherished memories of Elmer will forever stay in the hearts of all who had the privilege of having him in their life. Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

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