Steven B. Rolstad
Friday, June 5, 1953
Date of Death:
Friday, May 15, 2015
Age:
61 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday May 21, 2015
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday May 22, 2015
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Friday May 22, 2015
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Bethel Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery
Friday, June 5, 1953
Date of Death:
Friday, May 15, 2015
Age:
61 years old
Friday, June 5, 1953
Date of Death:
Friday, May 15, 2015
Age:
61 years old
Steven B. Rolstad
Steven B. Rolstad, 61, of Rochester passed away on Friday, May 15th, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys Campus with his wife and sister at his side following an 18-month journey with brain cancer.
Steve was born on June 5, 1953, the son of Birgy and Iva Rolstad. He grew up in Rochester, and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1971.
He graduated from the University of MN Duluth in 1975 with a BS Degree in Biology. While in college, he met Rebecca Holmes and they were married on June 25, 1977 at the outdoor amphitheater at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church near Rushford, MN.
Following graduation, he began working at Mayo Lipids Lab. At the time of his retirement due to his illness, he was working with Mayo Med Labs International Services.
Steve loved all sorts of outdoor activities and sports including hiking, biking, skiing, skating, kayaking and his famous bonfires. He was especially passionate about his role as a master scuba diving instructor.
He enjoyed kayak trips with Rebecca and friends in Alaska, Sweden, and all over Minnesota. There are so many fond memories of Steve at the family cabin in Wisconsin.
Steve was known for his sense of humor, positive attitude, and for always caring for others especially his family. Even when he was very ill, he always asked how others were doing.
Steve is survived by his wife Rebecca, mother Iva Rolstad, sister Renee Balloy, niece Angela (Nolan) Meyer all of Rochester, nephew Erik Balloy of Minneapolis, many nieces, nephews, and his beloved Golden Retrievers Casey and Willow.
Steve is preceded in death by his father Birgy Rolstad (2011).
The funeral service for Steve will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday evening, May 21, 2015 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials are preferred to Channel One or Paws and Claws Rochester.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Steven B. Rolstad has received the following condolences.
Rebecca and family We want to extend or deepest symthay to the entire Steven b.Ralstad family . Steven was such a kind ,loving person ,who will dearly missed by all of us. i too grew up in the 13 th ave 14th ave ne Rochester,, MN with about 75 other kids in our couples of block area, what fond memories, i will never forget. You all read a early Condolence written by David Silker a 14th ave dear friend of mine . Young and older children , all played outdoor street games together for years,( kick the can ), ( anny anny over), and manny more outdoor games. Of course it included brothers and sisters, Renee, Steves sister ,included .WE didnt have a care in the world, age did not matter , all haanging outside, till our parrents , called us in for the nite. We were all brought up ,with loving parrents, it transfered thru us all, we have passed this on to our own families, just like Steven did . i lost contact with steve thru the years, until one day at the John Marshall pool steve put, Jim Thompson in scuba grear under water for the fist time taking the time, to be sure i would be safe, just like we took care for each other growing up, in the grand o NE Rocheser 60s days . GOD is so faithful to all of us . HE now has one of the very best ,loving men, i know wrapped in his arms. ,
LOVING him the way we all loved Steven . WE ARE ALL , going to miss STEVEN , one of the best listeners ,and caring PERSONS , i knew , One of the best from the grand O NE
Bekka,
I am thinking of you and sending love and light your way. Terri
I have fond memories of Steve when we worked nights and weekends in "our" respective labs. We had a standing challenge of trying to scare the other when we were coming in or out of the labs. The old corner building had many hiding places as well as glass and brass elevator doors. He had the grand success with an elaborate scheme. I will always hold both of you in my heart. I only wish we could have reconnected when we were back in Rochester.
Love and prayers to you and yours. I know Steve brought joy to many in his lifetime and I imagine God is enjoying his blessed presence now.
Sally (Schultz) Brooks
Rebecca, So sorry to hear of Steve's passing - Sending many prayers. Thinking of you and hoping our thoughts and prayers can give you some strength during this tough time.
Rebecca and family,
I will always remember Steve's positive attitude and caring nature. He could make me laugh - when that was the last thing I wanted to do. He was a gentle soul and will be missed by so many of us that had the honor of working with him.
God's peace and comfort during this difficult time
Dawn
We are so saddened by your loss and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
Friends of Steve and Kristi Holmes.
Rebecca and family,
Steve has been a valued Mayo Clinic colleague for many years. My favorite memory is when we would both be working late hours, and if I left before him, he'd tell me, "Don't worry, I'll let the cat out before I leave."
I'll miss his positive attitude and great sense of humor.
Jane Hermansen
To the Rolstad family, My sincere condolences on your loss. I worked with Steve and he was of great help with international clients of Mayo Consulting. His was a great personality - always cheerful and a very willing and efficient manner. Steve was a good example of what a person should be.
John Ostrander
Dear Rebecca and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Steve's energy, charisma, compassion and company will be dearly remembered and sorely missed. May God keep him in His glory.
Jorge and Shelley
Dear Rolstad Family,
I am a colleague of Steve's from Mayo Medical Laboratories. I did not get to interact with him a lot because I live in St. Louis, Missouri. But in every single encounter with Steve, he was so kind and encouraging. He was inspiring and made us laugh. I pray that you will feel God's comfort as He keeps Steve's precious memories at the forefront of your thoughts.
May God bless you,
Kim Scott
Rebecca and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Steve for many years. his positive attitude and energy was contagious. Steve was funny and wonderful and you should know I will always have fond memories of him.
God bless,
Kate
To Rebecca and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful man. He was kind, compassionate and always had such a positive attitude. I worked with Steve for many years and will always have fond memories of him. His generosity of spirit touched many people.
May you and your family find PEACE during this time of grief.
Mary Vehrenkamp
Renee and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Dan
Dear Rebecca and family,
We were so sad to hear of Steve's passing. It was so nice to reconnect with you two at Matt's graduation party and again last fall at the Botanic Gardens. The Chihuly exhibit was a pretty fun night! Your Steve had such a bright spirit and joy for life, it just exuded from him even though he was ill. Steve and I have been sending good thoughts and prayers his way in hope he could beat this thing. We are sorry for your devastating loss Rebecca and to all of Steve's family. God Bless.
Lisa Polo Ekman and Steve Ekman
Rebecca, Sorry to hear of Steve's passing - we are thinking of you and hoping our thoughts and prayers can give you some strength at this time.
To the family of Steve Rolstad,
My wife and I first met Steve 25 years ago while he patiently instructed me in the finer points of becoming a scuba diver. His easy going manner and quick wit made Steve instantly likable and enjoyable to be around. We looked forward to one of his epic summer bonfires - always a very memorable evening to say the least.
Steve was truly a one-of-a-kind individual and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Rest in Peace my friend.
May the Lord bless and comfort you during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere heartfelt condolences.
Scott & Vikki Dalquist
Dear Rebecca, our deepest condolences.
Steve was a wonderful person and great friend; he touched many people in Rochester and around the world with his energy and kindness. We had wonderful times and great memories together.
Sincerely,
Firas and Nour Abdul-Hadi
Please accept my deepest sympathy for I too know the pain of losing someone you love. May your family find comfort as I have in knowing that our loving heavenly Father promises us that very soon he will 'wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more.' (Revelation 21:4) What a wonderful day that will be!
Dear Friends,
I remember Steve as being my good friend and mentor of the technical side of the JM theater. He was so fun to be with and had such a great sense of humor and a lot of laughing! He past the mantle on as he graduated one year earlier than myself. He is an unforgettable person. I wish I could have carried on our friendship, but alas, distance separated us. Good bye my friend and I hope to find you on the other side, and we'll catch up to each other then.
My sincere heartfelt condolences to Rebecca and the children, as well as all the family. We will be praying for you that the Lord will give you all comfort and peace at this time.
As we see say in Italy, Arrivaderci. Until we meet again.
Your friend, Steve Gray
Rebecca, my sincere condolences. Surely this has been a difficult journey for you. I hope you find comfort in the thought of Steve being welcomed into God's heavenly arms, and continuing to look over you with love.
Deepest Sympathy to Rebecca and family.
We all know the final destination for Steve is heaven.Some day when we all go there we can be with him once again.He was a great human being given to us by God.
Though I'd been to many weddings as a young girl, yours was the first which I remembered clearly - outdoors, Rebecca your dress had layers of lace and a fly or a bee had gotten under one layer. I was very concerned about this, but it had not bothered you at all. In you, I saw myself in a few years.
May Steve's memory be for a blessing - and may you be comforted. You've had so many lovely and wonderful years together! The sun does shine again, I promise you.
With love and affection,
Ruth (Holmes) Rosenberg
Dearest Steven B. Rolstad family,
I am sincerely saddened by the news of Steve's passing. I am comforted by knowing that Heaven has gained a gentle soul who each of us can truly emulate.
The NE neighborhood was blessed to have an outstanding young man growing up and demonstrating to each of us younger kids how to be kind and respectful to others. The Rolstad family raised the best of our generation. Through the years, Steve would always greet me with a smile, handshake/hug and the kind of sincere conversation that made you feel connected to a very honorable person.
Thank You Steve for being a part of our lives and for showing us the way. Until we meet again in the joy of Heavenly Glory, we will remember you fondly.
God Bless!
David Silker
Dear Family & Friends -- Steve was a truly GOOD MAN, full of humor and love and a joie de vivre. ONE OF A KIND. I will remember him so fondly and with deep respect for the wonderful person and loving husband he was. Rebecca and Steve = an amazing couple. Love to you.