Philip Chester Rolffs passed peacefully on August 8, 2026.

Phil was born on February 2, 1939, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Edward and Anna (McMannis) Rolffs. He was the oldest of three children. Because of his father’s career in the United States Nacy, Phil and his family lived in several places throughout the United States before eventually settling in Texas Corners in Kalamazoo County.

It was there that Phil’s life took a beautiful and lasting turn. He and Gladys “Glady” would eventually meet and begin a life together. Phil often shared that God spoke to his heart and told him, “That is the woman you will marry.” On June 19, 1965, Phil and Glady were married. Shortly afterward, they were blessed with twin daughters, Kay and Carolyn.

Phil and Glady built their life together throughout Michigan before eventually settling in Portage on West Lake. Together, they shared a marriage filled with love, faith, family and a commitment to one another that lasted more than 61 years. Following Glady’s passing on June 23, 2026, Phil finally reunited with his beloved wife just 46 days later. They are now together in Heaven, forever reunited.

Phil and Glady both worked at Shakespear’s in Kalamazoo and devoted their lives to their family. Phil was a man of deep faith and his relationship with the Lord became an important part of his life, especially through the influence and encouragement of Glady. He and Glady spent many hours together studying the Bible and growing in their faith. Phil held especially close to his heart the words of Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” These words reflected the faith and trust that Phil carried throughout his life.

One of Phil’s greatest passions was honoring his family and remembering those who came before him. He faithfully made trips to Fort Custer National Cemetery to place flowers on his parents’ grave. Phil and Glady also began a special tradition of placing plants and eventually, shiny pennies on the graves of German men buried near his parent’s resting place. Their act of remembrance was recognized by the German American Society, which honored Phil and Glady for helping ensure that these men would not be forgotten. Eventually, Phil and Glady passed this meaningful tradition on to younger generations, allowing others to continue honoring and remembering those who had gone before them.

Phil will be remembered for his love of family, his devotion to Glady, his strong faith, and his desire to honor the lives and memories of others. His greatest joy was his family and the love he gave them will continue on through generations.

Phil is survived by his sister, Edie Nelson, of Florida; twin daughters, Kay (Kirby) Twigg of Ravenna, Ohio and Carolyn (Douglas) Miles of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchild, Amelia Malak. Extended family and friends.