Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Howard Wolpe Obituary
Former staffer Ken Brock says the seven-term congressman had recently been ill with a heart condition. Wolpe died Tuesday at his home in Saugatuck.
He served in Congress from 1979-1992. As chair of the U.S House Subcommittee on Africa, he authored and managed legislation imposing sanctions against South Africa for its system of white-minority rule.
Wolpe later served as Special Envoy to Africa's Great Lakes Region under President Bill Clinton. Democratic Rep. John Dingell says Wolpe initiated peace talks and helped end civil wars in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Wolpe also unsuccessfully sought the governor's office in Michigan.
He is survived by his wife and son.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
35 Entries
Bobbie Melson
December 14, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the Wolpe family. Mr Wolpe was a great congressman who was very good to my family and espically my mother. He was a great person and I will never forget his kindness to my family. Rest in peace sir.
Irene Janofsky Hartzell
December 12, 2011
Howard was a Reed classmate. We admired him and were all very fond of him. In admiration and gratitude for the person he was, please accept my deepest sympathy.
cathy hertz
November 19, 2011
Howard Wolpe was one of my classmates many decades ago at University High School in West Los Angeles, CA. He was an avid debater, brilliant yet totally nonjudgmental and nonegotistical, and a true humanitarian, and helped me overcome my inherent shyness in speaking to an audience. I am not surprised that he dedicated his life to helping others, especially in his efforts to eradicate apartheid in Africa. I was very sad to learn of his passing, and extend my condolences to his family.
November 3, 2011
Julie and Paul,
We are so sorry for your loss. Howard was a wonderful person. Charlie enjoyed his little chats with Mr.Wolpe when he came to your house to walk the dogs. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Karen and David Hollender Reston, VA
How you can show support
PA
November 3, 2011
I am very sorry for the death of Mr. Wolpe. Although the pain will seem unbearable at times, please find comfort that there is a day coming when this earth will be filled with happy people and peace will be everywhere and Mr. Wolpe will be there to enjoy it (Psalms 37:10,11,29). My sincere condolences to you.
Evette
November 2, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sioux Mason
November 1, 2011
I met howard 34yrs ago he sat w/my family at the Greater Galesburg Day festivities he was witty, fun a very caring & personable individual he helped cut thru the red tape aiding us in my daughter Sarah's surgical proceedure for a LARGE facial nevus removal that is was nessesary not cosmetic. My Sincere condolences to his Family, He will be Dearly missed...God Bless!
a streicher
November 1, 2011
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MEN LIKE YOURS,THEY ARE PRECIOUS,JUSTICE IS WHAT MANKINDS CREATOR ALWAYS WANTED FOR ALL OF US.IT WILL COME UNDER HIS KINGDOM RULE SOON NOW.DANIEL 2:44.
EB
October 31, 2011
I would like to express my condolences to the family. During this time of great sadness, I hope that the Wolpe family find comfort from James 4:8. It says, "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." May you all look to God during this difficult time.
Pauline Johnson-West
October 31, 2011
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Beverly
October 31, 2011
God is for us a refuge and strength, A help readily to be found during distresses...Psalm 46:1
Charlene Londyn
October 31, 2011
Please know that there are many who feel the loss and will miss him as well. You will be in our thoughts and prayers that you find comfort from the only one who can provide true comfort; the creator. He will catch all of your tears and provide exactly what you need because he cares for you. 1John 5:7.
BARRY DAMON
October 30, 2011
He was a man of honor, and he will be missed. May God Be With you.
Joel Raven
October 30, 2011
I knew Howard as my college professor, through his years in Congress and beyond. He was a guest in our home on a number of occasions, and I was privileged to attend the Democratic National Convention at Madison Square Garden as his guest on the night that Bill Clinton and Al Gore accepted their first nominations for president and vice president.
Howard set a very high standard for public service, and through his leadership on myriad important issues, he contributed in so many ways to improving the lives of those who needed help the most. He had a deep moral compass, an impeccable reputation for integrity, and an unswerving commitment to the best ideals of citizenship. He leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed.
My deepest condolences to his family.
October 29, 2011
To the family of Mr. Howard Wolpe,
Sorry to hear about the lost of your loved one. Death is something that is very difficult to deal with although we all have to at this time, but soon it will be a thing of the pass and not only will it be done away with but no one will ever even have to say I'm sick. What a wonderful time that will be. And although we are not at that point yet and we do have to face death we can find comfort now in knowing that our creator will heal the brokenhearted ones. So you are not along, please look to him for the comfort that he will provide for you at this time.
Cherie
October 29, 2011
How sad to hear of the death of an person who hated injustice and had the desire and circumstances to help people oppressed by an unfair system.
When our Heavenly Father's will takes place on earth as it does in heaven, all injustice will be banished forever. What a delightful surprise for your dear husband and father to see all humans enjoying life together regardless of race or cultural backgrounds. It is indeed something to anticipate.
Henryk Zaleski
October 29, 2011
May the Lord grant you eternal peace.
BARRY K. DAMON
October 28, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sheila Sanders
October 28, 2011
A man of dignity and courage. Although I never had an opportunity to meet him I admired him from afar for his political service. He was truly inspirational because his head and his heart ruled his ethics.
His family is in my prayers.
October 28, 2011
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Wolpe Family in their time of grief. Please take comfort in knowing that, soon "death and suffering" will be a thing of the past.
C. Wilson
Kathryn Jourdan
October 28, 2011
I was lucky enough to work for Howard in his Congressional office in the late 80s. I completely agree with Congressman Dingell's comments that Howard brought civility to government relations. He was a thoughtful, deliberative legislator, and working for him enlarged my world view immeasurably. On a personal note, I have very happy memories of his annual fundraising events on Capitol Hill, Rock with Howard—a contradiction in terms if there ever was one, but it's a mark of the man that Howard was happy to laugh at himself.
Bob Holm
October 27, 2011
I worked on Howard's first and second run for congress when I lived in Kalamazoo. I would have worked on future campaigns but moved to FL. He gave me faith in the political process and I appreciated his love of all people.
James Trembley
October 27, 2011
Howard was my thesis advisor my senior year at WMU back in 1969 and was most helpful to my completion of the project. I've been a lawyer in Flint for nearly 40 years now but I followed his career over those years and I will miss him.
The Jones
October 27, 2011
Hold on to all the happy and loving memories and May God continue to comfort and strengthen you through your Pain and sorrow. Psalms 146:5,6
CLIFTON WALKER
October 27, 2011
MRS. FLETCHER AND MICHAEL, I NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING YOU BUT I DID HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOUR HUSBAND AND DAD. I WAS A CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FELLOW WHEN I WAS A YOUNG MAN. MY INTEREST WAS SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS. I WANTED DESPERATELY TO WORK WITH CONGRESSMAN WOLPE, WHO CHAIRED THE COMMITTEE ON SUB-SAHARA AFRICA. I COULD NOT FORMERLY WORK ON THE COMMITTEE BECAUSE SECURITY CLEARANCE WOULD HAVE TAKEN TO LONG. CONGRESSMAN WOLPE NONETHELESS, ALLOWED THIS YOUNG BLACK KID FROM HARVARD DIVINITY SCHOOL BY WAY OF PONTIAC, MI. WORK WITH JEAN SEANAB AND OTHER STAFF MEMBERS.
CONGRESSMAN WOLPE WAS A BRILLIANT MAN OF INTEGRITY AND LOVE FOR HUMAN KIND. MY LIFE HAS BEEN ENRICHED BY KNOWING HIM. IT HURTS TO KNOW HE IS GONE.
Kelly Shannon
October 27, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of happier times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Johnie M
October 27, 2011
Mr Howard Wolpe was a man who devoted his life to trying help those who found themselves in inescapable opression. I can't help but to think of how he will rejoice up enterin a world where the words of Rev 21:3,4 will have been fullfilled
carolyn martin
October 27, 2011
to the family may god bless you with his praise and glory in your time of sorrow peace be with you all amen
D Beckett
October 27, 2011
Mrs.Wolpe,
I am truly sorry for the loss of your husband. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family. May you find comfort in Psalms 146:5,9.
Lee Guss Brown, Jr.
October 27, 2011
It appears that he was a wonderful statesman, one truly sworn to God and country. I live in Texas, never had the opportunity to meet him, heard of him, and in becoming aware of the very excellent stands that he made in congress and in life I thank God that he lived and still lives with God. To the family: take care and take solace in the Lord.
Sheldon Lewis
October 27, 2011
My prayers go out to the Wolpe family during this most difficult time. Howard was a true public servant who worked hard to serve his district and the country as a whole. He will truly be missed by all who knew him and the issues and causes that he championed.
John Cairo
October 27, 2011
I am so very sorry to hear of his passing.
I was Howard's aide when he was a city commisioner in Kalamazoo, in 1972, while he was a professor at WMI and I was a student. Knowing that my meals were few and far between, Howard always insisted that I attend the Monday night private session of the commission meeting, so that I could get a meal. He always was looking out for others.
He was a thoughtful, kind human being with a True North orientation that led him to stand up for defending the many who otherwise had no voice to help themselves.
My sympathies to the family - I am so very sorry to hear that he has passed.
October 27, 2011
Dear Mike, Although I am tempted to call you Mikie, you have outgrown that name long ago. But you are still way to young to suffer the loss of your father. May the love of family and friends surround you at this difficult time. Meditation and Music can carry you, as always. Long ago we were neighbors in McLean where we shared holidays, you took care of our dog while you were a pup yourself, and later you were our summer house guest in Franklin. Always you were a dear boy with your music to sustain you. I care deeply about your loss. Rock steady.
Kathi, Alamo, CA.
Justin Banks
October 26, 2011
Very sorry to learn of the death of Congressman Wolpe. As a young radio reporter, I had the pleasure to interview him on two occasions. The first time, at the end of our interview, I realized my tape recorder wasn't working. He very graciously did the interview again.
My heart also ached for him when he tragically lost his wife, Judy, several years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wolpe family during this sad time.
I was proud to support him for Governor of Michigan.
Marilynn
October 26, 2011
My condolences to the family of Mr. Wolpe. May you allow the loving memories of your life together hold you thru this difficult time. -Romans 15:4.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Howard Wolpe's name
People and places connected with Howard
How to support Howard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Howard Wolpe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored