Wolfe W. Schmokel

MONTPELIER - Wolfe W. Schmokel, 81, of Montpelier, Vermont, died on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, at his home.

He was born in Waldenburg, Germany, on July 25, 1933, the son of Gunther and Charlotte (Gramm) Schmokel.

Wolfe attended his primary and secondary schools in Germany and came to the United States as an exchange student. Upon his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed work toward a Bachelor of Arts while serving overseas through a University of Maryland program. After his service was over, he enrolled at Yale University, where he went on to receive a master's degree and doctorate in history with specific concentrations in African and modern German history. Eventually his academic experience led him to the University of Vermont, where he served as a professor of history from 1962 until retirement in 1989.

It is at Yale that he met his first wife, Varian Douglas. They married in 1958 and divorced in 1982. They had four children together. In 1984, Wolfe married Kay Barbour, of South Burlington, Vermont.

Wolfe was never one to lead a sedentary lifestyle and kept his life full with various volunteer work, travel, friends and family. He was an active member of the various churches he attended throughout his life including Ascension Lutheran of South Burlington, Vermont, and All Saints Episcopal in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Most recently, he was a member of the Christ Church in Montpelier. Some of the volunteer activities he participated in included guardian ad litem work, Meals on Wheels and driving for those who needed transportation to medical services. Being an active member and giving back to the community were of the utmost importance to Wolfe. He touched many lives through his wish to help others.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Schmokel, of Shelburne, Vermont; daughter Clarissa Adams and her husband, Krister, of Waterbury, Vermont; son Marcus Schmokel and his wife, Mary, of Canton, Georgia; along with son Frederick Schmokel and his wife, Kathy, of Alexandria, Virginia. Grandchildren include Sydney Adams, Gwen Cole, Alex Schmokel, Erik and Kurt Schmokel, and Gareth and Kyle Trevor, along with three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his former daughter-in-law, Sarah McAllister, as well as stepchildren Keith and Shelley Barbour.

He was recently predeceased by his daughter Sylvia Trevor, of Stowe, Vermont.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at the Christ Church in Montpelier.

Memorial contributions may be made to Green Mountain United Way, 963 Paine Turnpike North #2, Montpelier, VT 05602-9163.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.