Ramon Rolf

DR. Ramon F. Rolf, Sr.

The family of Dr. Ramon F Rolf Sr. announces his passing at the age of 91 on January 19, 2019. He was a proud family man with a deep sense of faith, a love for music, animals, travel and the outdoors.

He leaves his cherished wife of 69 years, Dorothy F. Rolf of Traverse City and his three children: Ramon F. Rolf Jr (wife Carolee) of Midland and Karen and Bill both of Traverse City. He was predeceased by his daughter Laura A. Rolf of Traverse City. He was also predeceased by his parents Frederick and Pauline Rolf and siblings Ruth, Velma Brouwer, Herbert and Wayne Rolf. He was proud of his grandchildren Zakary Rolf of Traverse City Michigan and Christopher Rolf (wife Lori) of Wake Forest North Carolina.

Ray was a graduate of Fort Wayne Indiana Southside high school where he played football and ran track. Upon graduation he enlisted and served in World War II with the United States Army in the Philippines. He earned his bachelors of science in chemistry from Indiana University and then achieved his masters and doctorate in Analytical Chemistry from Michigan State University. He was an avid fan of both the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers. Ray and Dorothy created a scholarship fund at Michigan State University to benefit academic excellence in Science for Midland and Dow high school graduates.

In 1956 Ray joined the Dow Chemical Company in Midland as a research chemist. He invented a chemical process for extracting Nickel and other valuable metals from Sea Urchins, which Dow successfully patented in 1969. In the 1960s when Dow was heavily involved with recruiting on college campuses across the United States, Ray was appointed as Director of Corporate Recruiting. He loved recruiting talented young professionals with many going on to lifelong careers at Dow. Ray ended his 36-year Dow career as the Global Director of Corporate Compensation. During his time at Dow he traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and the America’s.

He was an avid Curler and one of the founding members of the Midland Granite club now known as the Greater Midland Curling Club. In addition, he enjoyed sailing and power boating.

In retirement Ray and Dorothy traveled the world, as they were both keenly interested in other countries and their cultures. They divided their time between Bonita Springs Florida and their home on Torch Lake. He and Dorothy thoroughly enjoyed entertaining guests at both residences and were particularly fond of hosting family and friends on the beautiful waters of Torch Lake.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Boardman Lake Glens for their wonderful care of Ray.

In his honor memorial contributions may be made to the Cherryland Humane Society or the Michigan State University Endowment fund for its Rolf Science Fund # A5006.

The family will have a Celebration of Life in the summer. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family.