People who had the privilege of knowing Rolf Jeppson understand how deeply he will be missed. Rolf had an unquenchable thirst for life. He was genuine and caring, embracing his many loves: family, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He could make any day better with his smile, and his enthusiasm was contagious! He loved all Iowa sports, the Minnesota Vikings, a good argument and news of the day. Rolf was never in a bad mood unless the University of Iowa lost a big game.

Rolf passed away peacefully at home in Appleton, Wisconsin, March 20, 2026, displaying the same level of grace and strength he brought to a life of challenges.

Rolf was born in 1970 in Waverly, Iowa, to Mary and the late Gordon Jeppson. The family made several moves before Rolf started school in Centerville, Virginia. He graduated from Indianola High School in Iowa in 1988, where he was a member of the cross country and swimming teams, and the student council.

Rolf was a quadriplegic as a result of a tragic diving accident the summer he graduated from high school. He spent seven months in rehabilitation in Rochester, Minnesota, then a year at the Courage Center in Minneapolis. Rolf was awarded a four-year academic scholarship to St. Andrews University, North Carolina, where he graduated with high honors in political science and history. He was listed on the Dean’s List every term and named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1994. Not to be held back, he went to law school at Arizona State University, graduating in 1997 and becoming a member of the Arizona bar before moving to Appleton to live with his parents.

Rolf delivered a heaping helping of inspiration with a ferocity that belied his tender nature. His ability to maintain a positive disposition despite living under an unrelenting cloud of pain, was nothing short of remarkable. Rolf will be remembered for many things: his strength, courage, faith and intelligence. He is now at peace; happiness for eternity with his Heavenly Father and his loving earthly father who cared for him and had endless love for him.

Rolf is survived by his mother, Mary Jeppson; brothers Eric (Lori) and Dain (Lori); nephews and nieces Gunnar (Amanda), Thor (Keely), Kristin (Jackson), Haley (Jules), Leif (Sarah), Signe (Spencer), and Maren (Zac); and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family was blessed by a huge community of caregivers, including doctors Jack Anderson, Omar Atassi and Aaron Douglas, as well as wonderful neighbors and many others who demonstrated their caring, concern and love for Rolf. Thanks also for the longtime support from members of First English Lutheran Church and to the caregivers who treated Rolf like their own son, including John (Law School), Joyce and Duane, Sharon, Helen, Maria, Jennifer, Manny and Linda.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. April 27 at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North St., Appleton, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 a.m. All family and friends are invited to a buffet lunch at Pullmans, 619 S. Olde Oneida St., Appleton, immediately following the services. A memorial has been established in Rolf’s name at Special Olympics Wisconsin, 6582 Ronald Reagan Ave., Madison, Wisconsin, 53704.

To know Rolf was to know love, joy and laughter. Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost.