Rolf Magne Stendahl

MADISON–Rolf Magne Stendahl, age 81, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Rolf was born on Nov. 13, 1933, in Norway, to Roy William and Margit (Qie) Stendahl. He was united in marriage on Dec. 14, 1957, in Madison, to Marianne Kathleen Reeson. Rolf was a national champion and record holding ski jumper. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. Rolf worked for Gisholt Machine Company for 15 years. He then worked for St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison for 25 years until his retirement in 1996. Among his many achievements he also thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing. It didn’t matter if it was ice fishing or fresh water fishing, he loved it all! Rolf loved the outdoors, his Norwegian heritage, his cabin escape in the woods and especially spending time with his MANY family and friends. And did I mention he loved to fish? Boy did he LOVE giving you some of his fish that he caught, along with the story of that trip on the lake. Rolf made many friends on the water near and far, and you were pretty special if he let you in on some of his secret, sweet spots to fish. He loved to share jokes and stories, and even if you heard them before, he still managed to be entertaining. Rolf was also involved in coaching youth ski jumping at Black Hawk Ski Hill and youth football in Madison. He especially loved being surrounded by his family as much as possible. Rolf is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marianne Stendahl; son, James (Linda) and their children, Jeremiah, Stacy, Jacob and Justin; Tom (Claudia) and their children, Matthew, Andrew, Eric and Kristen; Susan (Al) Everson and their children, Heather, Clayton and Quentin; Jane (Mike) Hilgendorf and their children, Hanna and Hailey; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Betzy Fenne; sisters-in-law, Marge and Donna Reeson; aunt, Edel; many, MANY nieces and nephews; and MANY SPECIAL friends. Rolf was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Otto; brother-in-law, Bob Fenne; and many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. One of Rolf’s favorite pastimes included his monthly in-law/out-law lunches at The Log Cabin. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420