Rolfe Merlin Sunwall

Rolfe Merlin Sunwall was born October 3, 1957, in Conrad, Montana. He was the fourth child of seven born to Sam and Doris Sunwall. A big loving family where he had built in best friends. He attended schools in Conrad and Dutton. Growing up on the family farm is where Rolfe worked hard and played harder. He enjoyed the finer things in life like riding dirt bikes, beach start water skiing at Tiber Reservoir, and working in the shop on his GTO. In high school he was a proud Conrad Cowboy until he left to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. There he completed his Junior and Senior year, graduating in 1975. At Hillcrest he put on football pads for the first time and also enjoyed playing basketball. We often were graced with tales of his glory days. While at Hillcrest Rolfe met Lillian “Miss Norway” and they fell in love. They were true high school sweethearts.

In 1977, Rolfe moved to Seattle to be closer to Lillian. While there he worked under Magne Telnes (his future father-in-law) and became an electrician. This trade would serve him well as he did it all his life. During his time in Seattle, he made lifelong friends. In September of 1979, Rolfe and Lil were married at Rock of Ages in Seattle, Washington. They were married for 45 long years. In 1980, their daughter, Trisha, was born and in 1984, their son, Caleb, was born. A couple months after Caleb was born, they packed up and moved to Montana where they lived for the next 40 years, creating a beautiful life under the Big Sky.

He was brought to the Lord in baptism as an infant and confirmed in his teenage years. While at Bible Camp in the Bear Paws he gave his life to the Lord. His faith grew as he attended Hillcrest Lutheran Academy for his high school years. Rolfe loved Jesus and would want you all to know Him too. He served faithfully at a few churches over the years and most recently served at Solid Rock for the past 27 years. Rolfe spent his Saturdays mowing the lawn at church and Sundays perfecting the sound for the worship team.

Rolfe started Sunwall Electric and was self-employed for many years fixing things all over Great Falls. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone. On Thursdays he would meet for coffee with his buddies, Ken and Rich, a tradition for many years. Rolfe loved the outdoors, hunting, horseback riding, camping, skiing, and golfing. Over the years he had many beloved animals, from horses to goldens, and most recently a mutt he lovingly named, Reba, the queen of 2nd Avenue North.

Rolfe had a red tool for everything and loved helping his family and friends. His farmer roots ran deep. He took pride in his lawn and many others too. Sometimes you would hear a lawn mower going only to realize that it was Rolfe out mowing your lawn. He taught his kids many things, but most importantly to love the Lord and our family well. Also, he often told us to go wash our car.

Rolfe had a special relationship with each one of his family members and loved his nieces and nephews so much. Each one has a story about him. Most recently he enjoyed trips to the Bob Marshall Wilderness with all the Sunwall men in the family. It was such a special time, and the number of guys grew each year. He taught his love of the mountains to them all.

Rolfe loved being a grandpa. His first grandchild, Lilliana, named him Pop Pop and it stuck. He was so proud to show up for all the kids’ concerts and games. He often thought of them while he was out and about. Always proud of his good deal, he would share his treasures with them. Rolfe's granddaughters will carry on his love of thrifting and his grandson will carry on his love of fancy muscle cars. He also stressed to the girls that maybe their free throws needed some more work.

He loved a good adventure and Lillian was always game to follow him. Their most recent travels brought them on an Alaskan cruise with John and Anita, which was such a special time.

Rolfe had a heart attack 23 years ago however, you would never know it because he still worked hard. He mentioned how thankful he was to be able to see both his children graduate, get married, and have children. We are so thankful we had these years with him.

Rolfe went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2024, surrounded with so much love from his family. A viewing and visitation will be held at O’Connor Funeral Home, 2425 8th Ave N, Great Falls, MT from 5-7 pm on Friday, November 1st. A celebration of life will be held at Solid Rock Bible Church, 751 4th Ave NW, Great Falls, MT on Saturday, November 2nd at 1pm. If you’d like, dress like Rolfe, Montana fancy with jeans and your best boots. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Great Falls Rescue Mission, 408 2nd Ave S, Great Falls, MT  59405.

Survived by his wife, Lillian; children, Trisha (Nick) Heck and Caleb (Whitney) Sunwall; grandchildren, Lilliana and Addisyn Heck and Cecelia and Morgan Sunwall; sister-in-law, Martha Sunwall; sister, Marie (Roy) Barsness; brother, Darell (Janet) Sunwall; sister, Maureen (Curt) Nelson; brother, Ronald (Lynn) Sunwall; brother-in-law, Rodney (Karen) Telnes; sisters-in-law, Linda (Brad) Thompson and Anita (John) Hardy; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Doris Sunwall; in-laws, Magne and Bergit Telnes; brother, Arden Sunwall; and sister, Doreen Sunwall.