Death date: Apr 21, 2026
Rolf Glitzner, 87, of Burlingame, California, passed away April 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of extended family, friends, strength, integrity, loyalty and laughter. Rolf is survived by his daughter Jennifer Glitzner and partn Read Obituary
I met Rolf in 1962 when we were neighbors on Crespi Drive in Pacifica. We both came from Germany in search of a better life in America, so we had a lot in common.
He became a great neighbor and friend. Over the years we each moved to different parts of the Bay Area, but we always kept in touch. Rolf serviced my VW bus and, later, our Audi — and he was meticulous in everything he did.
When our children were teenagers and got their first cars, Rolf looked after those as well. We had a wonderful arrangement: we would bring the car to his house, he would drive it to San Francisco — so he could catch any other potential problems along the way — and return it that same evening. Picking up the car always meant time to catch up and share a beer. It was a convenience we treasured, especially living in Millbrae and Burlingame.
In 1998 we moved to Santa Rosa, but stayed connected through phone calls, holiday cards, and visits whenever we were back on the Peninsula. Rolf was a genuinely caring person, and we feel grateful to have known him. He will be missed by all.
Our deepest condolences to Rolf's family and to Kathy.
— Herbert and Ingrid Brasche
I have fond memories of traveling with Rolf and my sister Kathy. We would fly into Germany, always visiting his mom - maybe his sister, then head off to other countries. On this trip my employer treated us to a private tour of granite quarries and Pisa. We were also treated to multiple course meals for lunch and dinner accompanied by fine Italian wines. At the end of the day we calculated that we spent at least six hours eating.
I have a lot of memories of Rolf’s love for Porsche and Volkswagen. I grew up seeing his red Porsche in the garage and his VW T3 Bus. He would pick us up from the airport in the bus. I remember the smells of gas and grease and knowing it was Rolf’s passion and life style. We would always go through the garage to enter his house and I loved seeing and having that smell of cars. Rolf has definitely had an impact on my life. I now have 2 boys and I have an older VW that I drive them to school in and it carries the same smell I grew up with. I hope my great memories of Rolf and his cars will also make the same impression on my boys as they grow up.
I met Rolf over 50 years ago when a friend recommended the best Porsche mechanic on the planet to me! My friend was,so right.Rolf was the best! We became close friends and had many great times together. Rolf and Kathy and my wife Lynne and I loved to go out to dinner at incredible restaurants and visit various wineries in the Napa Valley. We also enjoyed going to each others homes for dinner.Rolf always brought incredible desserts! Our son grew up with Rolf and he was,a special guest at his wedding. We moved to San Diego and missed all the special times we shared over all those years. We love reaping the rewards of his fishing trios to Cabo! He was genuine and caring and funny! We cherish the many years of friendship we shared with this great human being! You will be missed dear friend. Loved when you'd call and,say "Hello hello hello"
I remember Rolf having a sly smile and that “German” humor when he would visit us at Tassi’s Volkswagen shop in Colma. He was a good man - you could tell right away. And, as a caring mechanic, he helped countless people.
Rolf was a kind soul and will be greatly missed.
