Daniel James Roloff, 73, passed away from ALS on October 15, 2026, at his home in Kerrville, Texas.
Born on March 25, 1953, in Buffalo, New York, Dan moved to Texas in the summer of 1978 to coach football in New Caney. It was there that he met Bobbie, his wife of 45 years, who introduced him to the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The couple relocated to Kerrville in 1982, where Dan took a position coaching football and teaching physical education at Peterson Middle School, forming many lifelong friendships. During an Outdoor Educators Weekend at the H. E. Butt Foundation Camp, Dan felt a spiritual connection to the land, thanking God for bringing him there and praying for a chance to return. His prayers were answered the following summer when he served as the camp director for Laity Lodge Youth Camp. By February 1985, he had joined the H. E. Butt Foundation full-time. Throughout his tenure, Dan’s visionary leadership left an indelible mark: he founded Family Camp (originally the Friendship Festival), established the Backside Campout, created extensive hiking trails in the canyon, and passionately championed outdoor education. After earning his Master of Theological Studies from the Oblate School of Theology, Dan transitioned to working directly with Howard Butt, Jr. Together, they spent years reflecting, discussing, and writing about theology and the vital role of the laity in daily work—collaborating on books, radio spots, and the creation of The High Calling website. Dan also helped modernize the Foundation Archives, organizing and preserving the Butt family’s enduring legacy. He held a deep love and respect for Howard Butt, Jr. and the entire Butt family.
After carefully considering what the third act of his life would look like, Dan retired in March 2018. In retirement, he lived by the mantra: Play, Explore, and Create. He spent countless hours in his workshop shaping walking sticks and sculptures from native fallen wood, and crafting leather-bound journals to share with family and friends. Always in awe of God’s natural creation, Dan and Bobbie loved exploring state and national parks, frequently heading west to hike and seek out the best local coffee shops.
Dan remained a proud Buffalonian at heart, fondly remembering his youth in Cheektowaga, New York. His childhood passions carried directly into adulthood, particularly his boundless knowledge and love of sports. Long after his formal coaching career ended, Dan could be found competing in Masters Track and Field events, where he threw the discus, hammer, shot put, and javelin. He was a devoted, long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan and an avid supporter of the San Antonio Spurs.
Above all, Dan was a man of loyalty, integrity, and compassion. He was famously fond of puns and "dad jokes"—or as his family lovingly called them, "bad jokes"—and he would often remark that he told them for his own amusement after occasionally being met with groans or silence. First and foremost, Dan was a dedicated family man. He was a devoted husband to Bobbie and a cherished father to his daughters, Lindsey and Madeline, who will deeply miss turning to him for his wisdom and support.
The youngest of six children, Dan is survived by his brother Bruce—whom he deeply loved and admired—his loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his many wonderful, supportive nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Dan was a trusted friend and mentor to many people throughout his life.
He was a man that believed in the natural order of the universe and trusted in God’s plan. That trust never waivered, even with his ALS diagnosis.
In lieu of flowers, if you are inclined to do so, the family asks that any memorial gifts be made to the Doyle Community Center in Kerrville, Texas.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Dan’s life on Tuesday, November 10th from 12-2 pm at Pint & Plow Brewing Company in Kerrville, TX. A casual lunch will be served as we share stories and honor his memory. Kindly let us know if you can attend by November 3rd via this link to help us plan for food, though please come either way.