matt July 8th, 2008
Happy belated Independence Day and summer greetings from Roloff Farms!
First and foremost, we would like to express our deep, heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming response to the sudden passing of our dear friend, Mike Detjen. We received over 3,000 emails and letters of condolences. Messages of sympathy and support poured in from every corner of the globe.
Mike’s family would like to extend a personal thank you as well for your kind and comforting words.
While we all continue to grieve and deal with Mike’s palpable absence around the farm, please know what a large role your responses have played in helping us through the grieving process as we remember and relive the many fond memories we have of Mike. Roloff Farms will never be quite the same without his kind demeanor, dry sense of humor, and engineer’s approach to problem solving.
We have been out of town with limited phone and internet access, but thought often about the need to send out this update and let everyone know how much your support and condolences mean to the family.
The entire Roloff family recently had the opportunity to spend time together on some exciting summer travels. The LPA conference in Detroit was a huge success. Amy and I enjoyed reconnecting with old friends we have known for years and Zach got to catch up with some of his LP buds that he knows from past conferences. The entire family enjoyed making new friends and checking out all the activities offered at the conference.
After that, we were off to America’s heartland to steam our way up the Mississippi on The American Queen Riverboat. I have always been fascinated with Tom Sawyer, and it was incredible to be in the midst of Mark Twain’s homeland with the chance to have my own river adventure. History really came alive for the kids as they were able to visit many of the places they had previously only read about in US history classes. But if there was anyone who really took to the area, it’s Amy. She has always been fascinated by the American South-the food, the music, the rich cultural history-she loved it all, and is already planning a return trip! Both Amy and I have always been drawn to small-town America and really enjoyed connecting and talking to people from all walks of life.
Here on the farm, we’re already busy preparing for pumpkin season and managing the Roloff Farms Online Store. Shoproloff.com has really taken off–our t-shirts are just flying off the shelves. Thank you to everyone who has ordered! If you haven’t checked out our online store yet, we invite you to take a peek!
We’ll wrap things up with a few odds and ends:
- We’ve received many inquires about the dates and hours of pumpkin season this year. Pumpkin season will begin Saturday, September 27th, and then run Wednesdays-Sundays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. through October 26th. We’re excited about being open additional days during the week this year! We’re hoping that these extra days will help alleviate some of the crowds on the weekends and provide more flexibility for our out-of-town guests. We will post directions to the farm on our website once it gets closer to the start of the season.
- It has come to our attention that a petition has been started with the hopes of getting the Roloff family on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The petition was started by Kim and Alessandra, two great, enthusiastic young women who are committed to increasing awareness about the LP community. Click here to help them out!
- Recently, we’ve also received many emails recently wondering about the status of the show. Don’t worry!-”Little People, Big World” will be back for another season with new episodes this fall.
Please accept a final note of thanks, and we hope your Independence Day was filled with fireworks and fun for you, your family and friends.
Safe summer wishes,
Matt, Amy, Zach, Jeremy, Molly, and Jacob
matt June 16th, 2008
For all the guys who took photos of Matt, please email them to Military@mattroloff.com so I can post them on the site.
Kaitlin June 13th, 2008
Hi friends,
We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the condolences and kind letters we’ve received since Mike’s sudden passing. Your support has been incredible and much needed as we adjust to days in the office without our friend and coworker. We’re in the process of gathering your messages to give to Mike’s family. I know they will be as touched as we have been. Thank you.
Also, Matt has been traveling over the past week on a very exciting trip that you will hear more about in the months to come. We know many of you who have spent time with Matt this week have pictures you would like to share with us. If any military personnel have pictures with Matt from this past week, please send them to photoswithmatt@gmail.com. We will be using these pictures to honor our military and the work they are doing at home and abroad.
Thanks again, and have a great weekend, everyone!
matt June 5th, 2008
Friends,
Yesterday afternoon, as I finished up the summer newsletter and set it to be sent out this morning, I had no idea I would be announcing such tragic news several hours later.
It is with the deepest sadness and devastation that we must inform our friends and fans of the passing of our extended family member, Mike Detjen.
For the past eight years Mike has been a business partner, brother, coach, friend, and confidant. He was truly like an uncle to our kids.
It was with complete and sudden surprise last evening when Mike was rushed to the hospital from his soccer club board meeting. At the time, it was believed he was having a heart attack.
Amy and all our kids rushed to the hospital to be by his side. Coherent and alert, Mike was rushed into emergency surgery for a torn aorta.
An aortic dissection is very serious, but the prognosis was that they would be able to repair the rupture in the 5+ hour operation.
Unfortunately, Mike did not make it through the procedure.
Mike passed with many loved ones and friends that cared deeply for him. We especially extend our condolences to Mike’s family. Our kids are all devastated and beside themselves with grief. We will miss Mike dearly as a friend and loved one.
We celebrate Mike’s life as one of compassion and service to those he cared about. He was the driving force behind the area soccer club. He dedicated countless hours and his personal resources to his love of soccer and the local kids that enjoyed it. Mike not only taught my kids to play but how to love the game and practice good sportsmanship as well.
Mike was a deeply faithful man, and though we mourn his loss, we take solace in the knowledge that he has gone to his heavenly home.
Condolences may be sent to kaitlin@mattroloff.com. We will be gathering the responses to give to Mike’s sons, Tim and Jason Detjen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the organization Mike was the most passionate about, the Hillsboro Soccer Club.
Hillsboro Soccer Club
2074 NW Alocleck Dr., Suite 415
Hillsboro, OR 97124
We are in the process of setting up a donation fund through PayPal. You should be able to give online through our website in the next couple of days.
Thank you for sharing our grief and sorrow in this time of earthly heartache.
Sincerely,
Matt, Amy, Zach, Jeremy, Molly, and Jacob
Kaitlin June 2nd, 2008
Little People, Big World: Lost Episodes
The Boys of Summer
Along with their friends, twins Zach and Jeremy keep getting distracted as they struggle to complete their Swamp Fort - the project ultimately leads to an all-out paintball attack on the fort.Meanwhile, Matt installs an athletic court on the farm.
Little People, Big World: Lost Episodes
My Life as a Dog
Although he’s often wimpy, needy and smelly, the Roloffs’ bull mastiff dog Rocky is a much-loved member of the family. The Roloffs in turn each share special moments with Rocky - and they all rally together with concern when he’s injured.
Talk it up with other fans here.
Kaitlin May 16th, 2008
It’s finally here! We’re excited to announce the grand opening of our new online store, www.shoproloff.com.
We’ve got shirts, hoodies, hats and more! Come and check us out.
Have a great weekend, everyone! We’ll be back on Monday with more Lost LPBW Episodes.
