Norlan Eldon Wolf

Eau Claire - Norlan E. Wolf, 80, of Eau Claire, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025 at his childhood home. Norlan was born on January 26, 1945, to Alvin & Helen (Skibbe) Wolf in Dowagiac. Norlan graduated with the Class of 1963 from Eau Claire High School and continued his education although briefly at Michigan State University.

Higher education just wasn't what fulfilled him, and he realized farming would be both his passion and as any real farmer knows also a curse. He appreciated and respected everything farm life gave him, the ups and downs, the freedom to jump on a tractor and tend the land that God provided. He loved everything from growing produce and grain along with raising livestock, everything that is but the picking, packing or markets which he left up to Josie, who he married in McAllen, TX on December 21, 1974. Their partnership on the farm would last for over 50 years.

Those that knew him from childhood and the farming community knew him by many names - Norlan, Mr. Wolf or Curly. He usually made his rounds whether it be by tractor or pick-up truck, stopping by auctions or just a drive-by on a dirt road with a full-on arm wave, that you couldn't miss. If you had the chance to catch a visit with him, boy did he like to talk. He was the life of every party and told it like it was. He left an impact .... not on hundreds of people but very deep impacts on the ones he valued and held close to him.

Norlan is survived by his wife Josephina Enriquez; children, Julia Wolf, Brenda (Jason) Crisenbery, Joseph Wolf and Rafael (Clemencia) Lopez; grandchildren, Jacquelynn Dufour, Rafael Jr. Lopez, Skylar Crisenbery, Vanessa Crisenbery, Erica Lopez, Edwin Lopez, and Callie Crisenbery; and brother Delbert Wolf.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Starks Family Funeral Homes- Heritage Chapel, 8747 US 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103, from 4PM until 6PM. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com.