Wolf, William F. 1875-1947

WOLF, DEAN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 9/29/2015 at 00:31:46

Source: Hawarden Independent (4-17-1947)

Birth: November 2, 1875
Death: April 12, 1947

William F. Wolf, 71, editor and publisher of the Hawarden Chronicle for 44 years, died about 2:30 Saturday afternoon from a heart attack.

Mr. Wolf, who founded the Chronicle September 5, 1902, when he came to Hawarden, was visiting at the farm home of his daughter, Mrs. Harold Shoemaker, at the time of his death. Although not well since he suffered a stroke about a year ago, it was only during the last week that he suffered several serious heart attacks.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Associated Church with Reverend Noel P. Orcutt, pastor, and Reverend T.H. Harding of Hutchinson, Minnesota, former pastor of the Associated Church, in charge. The Barnard Funeral home had charge of arrangements.

Mr. Wolf was a member of a pioneer newspaper family in this part of Iowa. His first training was obtained with his twin brother in their father's newspaper offices at Sanborn and Primghar.

The veteran editor and publisher was born on a farm near Sanborn November 2, 1875. When he was a boy he began to learn the printer's trade. In 1893 he became editor of the Sanborn Pioneer. Later he published the Free Press at Osage City, Kansas, before coming to Hawarden in 1902.

Mr. Wolf had a combined total of 53 years as an editor and publisher before he sold the Chronicle last May 16 after he had suffered a stroke. He took pride in his record of never missing a press day at the Chronicle.

Mr. Wolf was a charter member and at one time was president of the Hawarden Rotary Club. He was serving as a member of the library board, was a member of the Masonic Lodge and at one time was a member of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He also had been a member of the board of education and for four years was postmaster in Hawarden.

He married Mildred Dean of Primghar September 15, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf would have observed their golden wedding anniversary next fall.

Besides his widow and one daughter and her husband, he is survived by three grandchildren, Mrs. Kenneth Ruby and husband of Sioux City, William Joseph Shoemaker, who is attending the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Harold Gilbert Shoemaker of Hawarden and one great-grand daughter, Dorothy Kay Ruby.