Marvin Wayne DeRolf, 87 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025. He was born September 5, 1937, in Hammond, to the late Russell and Helen (Boyd) DeRolf. Wayne proudly served in the United States Army, and later received his associates degree from Purdue University. Wayne made his career in supervision with NIPSCO for 38 years. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, where he served as an usher and volunteered often. Wayne enjoyed watching, playing, and coaching sports, golfing, bowling with his son, maintaining his yard, and taking family vacations. Wayne will be remembered for his outgoing and friendly personality, his gift of storytelling, and his quick wit. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa who cherished spending time with his beloved family above all else. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
On April 15, 1961, at Woodmar United Methodist Church in Hammond, Wayne married the love of his life, Nancy Cofran, who survives, along with their children: Cheryl (Nick) Splix, Brian DeRolf, Laura (Bob) Barr; grandchildren: Zac (Trisha) DeRolf, Amanda (Mitchell) Florence, Nicole (Joshua) Fender, Jeremy Splix, Brittani (Micah) Yoder; great-grandchildren: Jax, Emmalyn, Brooks, Benjamin, Colt; brother, Gene (Cecilia) DeRolf; brother-in-law, Kurt Cofran; and beloved cat, Chester. He was preceded in death by brothers: Arnold, Ron, and Mel DeRolf; and sister-in-law, Luanne Cofran.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the NWI Food pantry.
GUESTBOOK
Nancy, my prayers are with you at the passing of Wayne. I recall you both fondly with your involvement at Woodmar UMC. Blessings to your entire family. -Pastor Paul Arnold
Nancy, we send our sympathy and our love to you at the passing Wayne. Although I wasn't often with him on volunteer assignments at church, since I first met him several years ago, I soon learned what an upright, friendly, honest man he was. I considered him a good friend and I enjoyed our friendship. I will certainly miss seeing him at church and being able to chat with him for a few minutes as we enter or leave the church building. Barb and I send our condolences to you and his family and friends. -Lee Ranger
My condolences to Wayne's family. I worked with Wayne for several years as a fellow Nipsco employee. He helped me in my training and development years, and I will always be grateful to him for this. -LONNIE JANSEN
With our sincere prayers and condolences, may our Lord and Savior continue to strengthen you, your family, and friends. Also may the love and peace of Jesus comfort you always. -Joan McPherson and Christian Daniels
