Joseph R. Wolf

Joseph R. Wolf
Joseph R. Wolf of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Aurora, IL. He was 88. Joe was born and raised in Aurora, the oldest of six children of Otto and Ethel (Walz) Wolf.
He graduated from West Aurora High School with the class of 1952 and began working at the Stephens-Adamson Co., which led to an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. Stephens-Adamson became SealMaster Bearings, for which Joe worked as a skilled tool and die maker for 46 years before retiring from the company. At Sealmaster Bearings, Joseph worked hard along with others to form the company's first union. He became the United Auto Workers Local 1615's first president, where he led a 19-week strike to gain better wages, benefits and working conditions. Joe was a master negotiator and fought to bring equality to all who worked with him. Joe was the first to invite women into the company apprenticeship program. He demanded more opportunities for people of color and women in the skilled trades. During his career, Joe earned the respect of management and fellow employees and he left proud of his long tenure and respected standing with the company.
Joe met his lifelong love, Barbara (Van Meter), on a blind date and they were married on May 1, 1960. Together, they built a family with a strong foundation of love. Of all his accomplishments, his three children and eight grandchildren were his greatest joy.
In 1960 he and Barb moved to their beloved home on Snow Street in Sugar Grove. He held many volunteer roles in numerous local committees, including the annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil. He read water meters and was an elected Sugar Grove trustee. Joe was an active community member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, beginning in 1967. Joe was passionate about the local public school system and was a respected elected member of the Kaneland School Board for 15 years, as well as Board President for 4 years. Eventually, Joe also became an Aurora Airport Board member and a liaison for the Sugar Grove Village Board.
His interest in local government and desire to serve his community and the people he cared for never waned. Even in his last years when his health declined, Joe mentored local government hopefuls and joined the retirement home resident committee to advocate for his fellow residents.
Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, leader and man of faith. He is survived by his wife; his three children, Nancy Leuer (Darryl Carlson), Joe Wolf, and Judy Willour (Jeff Willour); eight grandchildren, Adam, Caroline, Matt and Kyle Leuer, Jack and Sam Wolf, and Grant and Brooke Willour; a brother, Otto Wolf; and a sister, Sally Simmons. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother James Wolf; and his sisters Peggy Weis and Mary Hart.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, May 1, at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St., Sugar Grove, Ill. A funeral service was immediately followed at noon at the church. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sugar Grove United Methodist Church; 176 S. Main St. Sugar Grove, IL 60554.
Arrangements were handled by The Healy Chapel, Sugar Grove, IL. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.healychapel.com 630-466-1330