The much beloved William Edward Wolf of LaPorte, Indiana, closed the final chapter of his life here on this earth on the afternoon of February 16, 2016 at the age of 93. He peacefully fell asleep at home, on the hill overlooking Pine Lake: his favorite place to rest. He was surrounded by family and enveloped in love by those he so adored and loved so unconditionally.
He was born in Onsted, Michigan, one of 10 children to Lester and Birdie Wolf on September 12, 1922. He is survived by his wife Armina "Kitty" Carter Wolf; children: Mina Lynne Wolf, Lovera Wolf (David) Miller, Lana Wolf (Mark) Witbeck, William Edward (Renee Ostermiller) Wolf III, Lisa Wolf (Scott) Smithson; grandchildren: Erin Wolf (Jim) Schroeder, Sasha Fay Miller (Kash) Franger, Brienna Ginelle Miller, Analise Wolf Witbeck, Talya Renee “Tally” Wolf, William Edward “Liam” Wolf IV, Carter William Perry, Shaina Ginelle Perry, Trevor Wolf Perry, Leyton Scott Wolf Smithson; great-grandchildren: Gabriel James Schroeder, Wyatt Otto Franger, Ryka Jane Franger; sisters: Mary Lohr, Wanda Reese, Jane Diamond, Nellie Sternitzke; brothers: Jack Wolf, Lester Wolf and David Wolf.
He was preceded in death by daughter: Lisa Lenae Wolf; his parents; sister: Helen Waterbrook; and brother: Bob Wolf.
Bill graduated from Hudson High School in Hudson, Michigan. Following high school, he went to Andrews University to study engineering. Shortly after beginning his collegiate studies, he was drafted to serve our country in World War II, where he served overseas for four years as a medic in the United States Army. Discovering his compassion for helping others as a medic in the service, Bill decided to continue his studies at Andrews University but with an emphasis on pre-medical studies.
While attending Andrews University, Bill met the love of his life, Armina “Kitty” Carter. They were married on August 24, 1947 in Bloomington, Indiana. The romance and love they shared on that day has only grown deeper and stronger over the last seventy years.
Following their college graduation and wedding ceremony, the young couple traveled to the west coast where Bill continued his graduate studies at Loma Linda University Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1952.
After Medical School graduation, Dr. and Mrs. Wolf discovered La Porte, Indiana as the approximate mid point between their two childhood hometowns and immediately fell in love with the community, the people, the lakes, and parks; and they planted their roots firmly.
Bill was passionate about his faith, his church, his family, and his community. He had enough love and compassion for everyone he met and was especially a tireless and selfless supporter and cheerleader for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had a genuine respect for human life and all of God’s creations. These traits served him well as a true physician healer of the mind, body, and spirit, and made him a beautiful and amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, sibling, teammate, classmate, soldier, leader, and friend. He is a testament to all that is good in this world and a shining example of a man who made every effort to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Bill and his wife, Kitty, co-founded the Arts in the Park Concert Series in La Porte. In his retirement years, he found contentment by bringing music and the arts to the community he loves so much, serving in several capacities at his local Seventh Day Adventist Church, and being surrounded by his family.
A time of visitation to celebrate his life will be held from 3-7 PM (CST) on Friday, February 19, 2016 at La Porte Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1480 Boyd Blvd., La Porte, IN.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM (CST) on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2900 Monroe St, La Porte, IN, with a time of visitation being held from 10 AM (CST) until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dr. William E. Wolf, II Memorial Fund, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350. Please designate memorials to Arts in The Park or to the Door Prairie Seventh Day Adventist Church and School.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.