Lorenze G. (Larry) Roloff, age 86, passed away January 26th at his home in Louisville, NE surrounded by family. Larry was a self-made man whose life journey serves as a testament to his faith, devotion to his family, and a passion for his life’s work.

Born into a farming family on November 26th, 1938, to Lorenze M. and Emma A. (Dunkak) Roloff, near Avoca, NE, Larry spent his early years immersed in the joys of rural life. He had a deep love for animals and the land, a connection that remained with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, he attended a one-room schoolhouse from kindergarten through eighth grade, traveling to and from school on horseback with his two younger siblings. Those formative years on the farm and in the close-knit school environment instilled in him the values of determination, responsibility, and resourcefulness.

In a significant turning point in his life, Larry and his family moved to Omaha. The transition was challenging, but it introduced him to new opportunities. He attended and graduated from Omaha Technical High School.  At Tech High he acquired valuable trade skills that would later help him shape his future.

After high school, Larry began working in underground construction.  It wasn’t farm dirt but it was dirt, and he loved it! His budding construction career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the Army (1961-1963, stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, with the 62nd Operating Engineers Battalion), an experience he fondly referred to as his "college." The discipline and teamwork required by the Army would become key tenets of his professional life. While in the service, he married his long-time sweetheart, Janice Habel, on September 22nd, 1962. Twin daughters Michaela and Michelle were born in 1963.  

Upon returning to Omaha from the Army, Larry resumed his work in underground construction.  He went to work for H.J Miller Construction where he built a successful 12-year career as a Project Superintendent. Daughter Kara was born in 1968.  In 1975 he founded, along with Janice, L.G. Roloff Construction.  The company soon grew into a successful enterprise and in the 50 years since its founding, has performed many sewer, water and road projects in and around the Omaha area.  As proud as Larry was of all the projects the company built, he was most proud of his “co-workers” and the careers and lives he was able to help them build.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Janice of Louisville, NE; his daughters, Michaela (Ken) Utsunomiya, of Ann Arbor, MI; Michelle (Andy) Koszewski of Lincoln, NE; Kara (Monty) Habrock of Louisville, NE.  Six grandchildren, Nicholas Koszewski, Marit Koszewski (Mike Shumway), Matt Utsunomiya (Alex Thomas), Claire (Habrock) Baltzer and husband Ben, Jared Utsunomiya and wife Kathryn, Sophie Habrock. Two great-grandchildren Leo and Beau Baltzer, sister Judy Kuzeppa of Sioux Falls, SD, sisters-in-law Shirley Roloff of Lincoln, NE, Jeanine (Max) Cooley of Louisville, NE, Joanne Bradshaw of Norwood, MO, brother-in-law Jeff Habel of Omaha, NE and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.   We will miss his wonderful hugs and that amazing smile!

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers in law Patricia (Vern) Dettmer and Naomi (Bill) Worthan; brothers Bill and Charles Roloff; brother-in-law Mike Kuzeppa; sister-in-law Judy Finch.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30th, at Christ Lutheran Church (15616 84th St. Louisville, NE) from 1pm – 8pm with family present from 5pm – 8pm. Private burial on Friday, January 31st at 9:30am.  Celebration of Life on Friday, January 31st, at 11am at the Cass County Fairgrounds Expo Building (8420 144th St. Weeping Water, NE, with lunch to follow.    

Memorial may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church and/or the Louisville Area Foundation.