It is with joy and sorrow that we bid farewell to a remarkable individual, R.G. William Wolf, who peacefully passed away with his wife Janice and children by his side October 30, 2023, at the age of 95.

R.G. William Wolf

His legacy is one of extraordinary accomplishments, boundless enthusiasm, and a commitment to personal integrity and excellence that touched every aspect of his life.

Born on January 1, 1928, at home in Sheffield, Iowa, R.G. was the son of Reuben Guy Wolf, Attorney of Law and the President of the First National Bank of Sheffield, and Ruth Elizabeth (Nolte) Wolf, a dedicated disciple of God and one-room rural school teacher.

R.G. excelled at gardening and raising bees. He sold his own honey and saved enough to pay for his education at Iowa State where he earned a Horticulture degree with engineering minors.

While in college, R.G. was a four-year Letterman and a standout athlete. His 1946 senior year was particularly notable, crowned as a state high hurdle and Drake Relays champion.

R.G. William Wolf served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, embodying a commitment to duty and service that defined his generation.

Always a trailblazer, R.G. founded what would become the Manufacturer’s Alliance of Minnesota and also initiated the first Minnesota Masters Track and Field Club.

As a private pilot, R.G. found solace in flying his Piper Aztec from the hangar at Flying Cloud Airport in Minnesota, fostering lifelong connections within the aviation community.

His commitment and interest in the arts was a lifelong passion and the Albert Lea Community Theater was a favorite. R.G. founded two community concert bands. First in Minnesota, the Hopkins West Wind Concert Band and then the Cleveland Concert Band in Cleveland Tennessee. These concert bands are still thriving today and often pay tribute to R.G. during their concerts.

In 2013, R.G. wrote and directed “The Calling” an operetta that premiered December 5, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.

R.G. was a man of faith, finding solace and community in various church memberships. His dedication to Cleveland First United Methodist Church in Cleveland Tennessee was marked by active participation in the choir, Scouting representation, and leadership roles within the Men’s Club.

Preceding him in death was his beloved sister, Maxine Marie (Wolf) Deane, R.G.’s best and most cherished friend.

R.G. Wolf is survived by his devoted wife Janice and their four children, Ronald, Gordon, Brian, and Ann, along with 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life greeting will be held at 10:00 A.M. followed by a service at 11:00 A.M. with a luncheon at 12:00 on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church in Hermitage, Tennessee.

R.G.’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the First Grace Baptist Church in Sheffield, Iowa. A Military Honors Burial Service will follow at Hillside Cemetery.