Richard J. "Rick" Wolfe

1953 - 2021

Richard J. "Rick" Wolfe

Manitowoc - Richard J. "Rick" Wolfe, age 68, of Manitowoc, a loving and caring husband, father, and especially grandfather passed away Thursday afternoon, March 18, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born on January 16, 1953 in Marinette, son of the late Floyd and Verona (Dionne) Wolfe. He grew up in Coleman and graduated from the Coleman High School with the class of 1971. Rick was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard from 1970 until 1976. Rick moved to Manitowoc in 1972 to attend Tool and Die Design School. In 1976 he went to work for Brandt Buses and purchased a portion of the business (Wolfe Bus) in 1984. Rick purchased the remainder of the business in 1994. On August 18, 2001 Rick was married to Lindy Haelfrisch Jaeger at Pikes Paradise in Amberg. Following his retirement in November of 2015, the couple made many winter trips south and after a few years it was decided to stay closer to grandchildren. He is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and served in the past on the church council. Rick was a past member of the Manitowoc Lions Club and served as president of the Manitowoc Lions.

In 1989, Rick received his private pilot's license, this opened the door to many new friends and learning experiences. He enjoyed his annual week at EAA with his friends. Rick's favorite flights were local just before dark, flying with Lindy, west to see the sunset and then flying back to town to see the lights go on and over the lake to see the moon rise. Most recently, Rick and Lindy enjoyed a cabin they purchased in the Townsend area.

Survivors include his wife Lindy, Manitowoc; his blended family: Jon Wolfe, Appleton, and Michael (Rachel) Wolfe, Cedar Grove, Heidi Krepline, St. Nazianz, and her special friend Pete Endries, Eric (Kristy) Jaeger, Whitelaw, and Jill (Casey) Schramm, Manitowoc; nine grandchildren: Kelan, Eva, and Iris Wolfe, Dominic Weber, RJ Krepline and his special friend Lauren, Rachel Krepline, and Emma, Jana, and Carson Jaeger; one sister and brother-in-law: Sandy (Dick) Wondrash, Lena; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Randy Haelfrisch, Manitowoc, and his special friend Jan Anhalt, Mark (Patty) Haelfrisch, Reedsville, Kathie (Paul) Kiekhaefer, Reedsville, Kris (Tom) Sebo, Reedsville, Nancy (Mark) Krcma, Whitelaw. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Floyd and Verona Wolfe; two brothers-in-law: Ken Huberty and Giles Haelfrisch; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Clarence and Anita Haelfrisch; Lindy's foster brother and his wife: Fritz and Mary Ann Hoeppner; and his loving dog: Dexter.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1712 Menasha Avenue, Manitowoc. The Rev. Zachary DeArmond will officiate with burial to follow at St. John St. James Westside Cemetery, Reedsville. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19, please wear a mask and practice social distancing if you plan to attend. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com. The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

A special note from Rick: Thank you to those who were in my corner, one of my greatest gifts was the many friends I have made, including my employees and friends of Brandt and Wolfe Buses, our dear friends from the South and to the North, especially the Watt's family, Jim and Barb Kohlmetz, and Corey and Kelly Kornely. All of my grandchildren, who have been the joy of my life and my dearest wife Lindy, who has been there every step of the way.

Rick's family would like to give special thanks to Nikki "Trixie" who took such wonderful care of him with her role at HomeCare Health Services and Hospice.