Harry J Roelofs

Harry Joseph Roelofs, age 83, of Vernon Center, died Monday, February 8, 2010 at Madelia Community Hospital

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2010 at St. Matthews Catholic Church, Vernon Center. Burial will be in St. Matthews Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday at Lake Crystal Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at church on Saturday.

Harry was born July 15, 1926 to John and Maria (Noy) Roelofs in Herwen, Holland. In 1947, at the age of 20, Harry immigrated to America and began working on his relative's farm in Vernon Center. Harry served in the U.S. Army as a drill sergeant, and was stationed in the states during the Korean War. Harry returned to Holland to visit family and married Catharina "Toos" Nibbeling on May 6, 1953 in Nieuw Dyk, Didam, Holland. They returned to America and settled on a farm in rural Vernon Center, where they farmed for 35 years, before retiring to Vernon Center in 1988. They spent 14 winters in Weslaco, Texas where Harry enjoyed shuffle board, playing cards, and shooting pool with his many friends.

Harry is survived by his wife, Catharina "Toos"; three sons, Hank (Jan) Roelofs, Charly (Diane) Roelofs, and Steve (Jodi) Roelofs all of Vernon Center; daughter, Mary Jo (Steve) Trio of Mapleton; seventeen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Til Brandts; brother, Theodore Roelofs both of Vernon Center; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gerard and Bill; and one sister, Maria.