Rolf was born to Martin and Gina (Gilbertson) Hatling on September 11, 1922, at home near the Norwegian community of Choice in the South Fork River Valley. He married Cathleen Flynn from Harmony on September 8, 1956. He attended the South Fork School. After his schooling he worked on several farms until he was able to run his own farm. After farming he began driving heavy equipment for firms in Winona until he started to work for the City of Rushford in 1968 and worked for the City until he was 82.
As on young man Rolf loved his coon hounds, but his favorite dog was his bird dog Durango. He enjoyed playing cards and having a Norwegian conversation with an old friend.
Rolf passed away Monday, May 14, 2012 at the home of his daughter, Patty Barton, in Eitzen Minnesota at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by brothers LaVane and Vernon, and sisters Alpha Rolfshus, Stella Larson and Gyda Vitse.
Rolf is survived by his wife Cathleen, daughter Patty (Ken) Barton and son Jeff Hatling, Kenersville North Carolina, and six grandchildren. In addition, Rolf is survived by two sisters Elsie Hellickson of Caledonia and Beatrice Doely of Spring Grove.
Funeral Mass will be 4 PM Friday, May 18, 2012 at the St. Olaf Catholic Church in Mabel. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Canton, Minnesota. Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements. |