Mary Anne (Roberts) Rolfing, 91, of Winona, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, at Woodbury Health Center in Woodbury, Minnesota. Mary’s life was filled with love for family, a devotion to teaching, a steadfast faith, and a genuine interest in everyone she met.
Born in Fayette, Iowa, to Howard and Clara Roberts, Mary graduated from Fayette High School in 1953 and moved to Winona to attend Winona State University. There, she enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines and playing the French horn while earning her degree in elementary education in a little over three years. She taught first grade at Washington-Kosciusko Elementary for eight years and later continued sharing her love of learning at Winona Nursery School and as a long-term substitute in Winona’s public elementary schools.
On August 10, 1963, Mary married Roger Rolfing at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Together, they raised their children, Tim and Tricia. A lifelong Catholic, Mary expressed her faith through kindness and caring for others, including her father, father-in-law, and husband in their later years.
Mary brought warmth to everyday life. She loved tending flowers, working in the family farm’s vegetable garden, and baking treats inspired by her Aunt Laurel—especially strawberry rhubarb crisp and a peach pie her family considered unmatched. Her brief adventure making wedding cakes also provided memorable family deliveries in the station wagon!
Always ready for a conversation, Mary made even a goodbye an opportunity to connect. Her beautifully handwritten cards and notes reminded family, friends, and neighbors that they were remembered and loved. She enthusiastically supported her children’s and grandsons’ activities, followed the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers, and shared the excitement of attending the 1991 World Series with Roger.
Children held a special place in Mary’s heart, especially her grandsons, Chris and Brandon. Holding them as infants, she would say, “And I cannot wait to see what you will bring to the world.” That same caring spirit extended to her students and neighborhood children.
Mary leaves a legacy of thoughtful gestures, lasting connections, and love freely shared. Her family will treasure her stories, her conversations, and the many ways she made others feel special.
Mary is survived by her children, Tim (Sue) Rolfing of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Tricia (Jay) Meinke of Omaha, Nebraska; grandsons, Chris, and Brandon Rolfing; grand dog, Maya; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Roberts, and Audrey Rolfing; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The oldest of five children, she was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Howard “Junior” Roberts, Eddie Roberts, Merlin “Butch” Roberts, and Dorthy (Roberts) Anthes.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Woodbury Health Care Center and Lifespark Hospice for their compassionate care.
To honor Mary’s life, a Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 21 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1303 West Broadway, Winona, MN 55987) with the Reverend Russ Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., until the time of the Mass, at the church. Following Mass, she will be laid to rest next to Roger at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Following that, all are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life and Luncheon at Signatures Restaurant (22852 County Road 17, Winona, MN 55987).
In preparation for the Celebration of Life event: Please send any digital or hard copy photos involving Mary from childhood on up to: Tim Rolfing or at tjrolfing@comcast.net 3394 Commonwealth Avenue Woodbury MN 55125. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and hope to see you there. -The Rolfing Family
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hofffuneral.com. Cards may be mailed to Hoff Funeral Home, C/O Mary Rolfing Family, 3480 Service Drive, Goodview, MN 55987.
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