WOLF, Gary Wayne 1943 - 2019

WOLF, SCHUTE, SHERADEN, SCHULTZ, WATSON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/25/2021 at 20:22:52

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Friday, February 1, 2019
Page 4

GARY WAYNE WOLF
Sigourney, IA

Gary Wayne WOLF passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 22, 2019 at the age of 75. He was born on August 27, 1943 in Ottumwa and was most recently a part of the Senior Citizen Community at Manor House in Sigourney, IA. Dad received a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) in July.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have this diagnosis and to the supportive family members. God help in your journey.

Dad was born the son of Forrest & Irene (SCHUTE) WOLF and brother to Lyle Jesse and Max LeRoy. Soon after he was born the family moved to a farm north of Packwood, IA. It was there his family became a farm family; which was our father's greatest passion. The family farm included harvesting corn, oats, & beans; and, raising chickens, cattle, & hogs. Dad loved all aspects of the life on a farm and spoke very fondly of that lifestyle as he raised his children. He had a great desire one day to farm as well. Dad often talked of growing up on a farm working the land with his father and brothers. It was also often he would share stories of a mischievous nature with his brothers. In the end, it was all in good fun and the WOLF men made it through to tell those stories another day.

Dad attended Packwood Community School through all levels of his education. He was the last graduating high school class in the old Packwood school building. His favorite subject in school was history and it was fitting this was his mark on the school district. He was quite the baseball player in his day. He was very proud to be voted Most Valuable Player by his peers during his senior season (he hit 20 home runs). He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and thought about trying out for the team. His lack of confidence altered his path. He used this as a tool to encourage those around him to take chances for the things you love in life.

Dad worked odd jobs after high school and he began dating Donna SHERADEN in the summer of 1963. They married on September 6th of that year. Through this union they had three children: Anthony David (Tony)-1964, Rhonda Lynn-1965, and Matthew Kenton-1970. Dad was proud of a lot of things in his life, but none were more important to him than his children. He loved to boast about the activities we participated as students at Pekin Community Schools. He was often heard by us boasting about his daughter the nurse and his sons' careers in the Army. It did all of us good to make him proud. A child can never get tired of hearing that from their father.

Dad was a hobby farmer for many years. During his time in the business he raised corn & soybeans; and hogs for a brief period of time. In 1974 Dad accepted a position as an Agricultural Inspector with the Department of Agriculture (DoA) with the State of Iowa. The cost of land caused him to avoid pursuing farming as a full-time endeavor. This position allowed him to work closely with farmers and people in the business of supporting farmers. He took a lot of pride in serving members of the farming community in this capacity.

As this position became his career, he made the decision to leave farming. In 1985 he took the opportunity to sell his equipment and focus on his position with the DoA. Shortly thereafter he accepted a promotion as a supervisor with the responsibility of training and overseeing newly hired inspectors. His career with the DoA would span four decades and over 28 years of service. He retired from active service at the age of 58.

Dad was also a proud father-in-law to Ann (Tony), Brian (Rhonda) SCHULTZ, and Lisa (Matt). He eagerly engaged in conversation (to anyone who would listen) about Ann's career as a nurse (now he had two medical professionals in the family), Brian's career as an Environmental Engineer, and Lisa's career as a Human Resources professional. He expressed a great deal of interest in the pursuit of our careers. He certainly helped develop a strong work ethic and a tremendous sense of pride in our pursuits of professional happiness.

Dad loved the role of grandfather and great-grandfather as well. He became a grandfather in 1990 following the birth of Kaleb WATSON to Rhonda. He embraced this role with a passion. "Pops" and Kaleb spent a lot of time together and Kaleb learned a lot when it came to operating machinery and vehicles. Erik (1996), Garrett (1997), and Paige (2000) were born to Tony & Ann. Pops' shared his love of family history with Erik and he engaged Garrett often with his love of history in general. Paige was eager to share her love of cooking with Pops and he had all the cookies he could eat. Gavin (2008) and his triplet siblings Aaron, Brennan, & Callie (2011) born to Matt & Lisa rounded out his brood of grandchildren. He was great-grandfather to Kameron & Oaklee WATSON; born to Kaleb & Lexi. All of his grandchildren had a special place in his heart. We are quite certain Pops' spirit will watch over them as they live their lives on Earth.

Dad left behind his brothers, children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His parents and grandparents preceded in death; along with his sisters-in-law, Judy (Lyle) & Maxine (Max) and his nephew Allen (Lyle).

It was Dad's wish for a graveside service in the spring because he did not want people to brave the cold. Inquiries can be sent to: Rhonda SCHULTZ, 620 E. Washington Street, Sigourney, IA 52591.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donatin to the ALS Association Iowa Chapter, 3636 Westtown Parkway #204 West Des Moines, IA 50266. You can also donate online at http://webia.alsa.org.site.PageServer?pagename=IA_homepage in memory of Gary WOLF.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

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