Joseph D. Wolfe

1928 - 2017

Joseph D. Wolfe

Lansing - Joseph Dale Wolfe passed away peacefully in his home on December 10, 2017. Joe was born on December 30, 1928 in Vincennes, Indiana to D. Glenn Wolfe and Bonnie B. Brocksmith. At age six, his family moved to Princeton, Indiana, where he graduated from Princeton High School in 1946 as senior class president. In the fall of 1946, he began Purdue University receiving his degree in electrical engineering. Upon graduation, Joe accepted a job with Wisconsin Electric Power. In 1950, Joe was drafted into the United States Army serving two years in the Army Signal Corps. During his time in service, Joe met the love of his life, Sue Nix who he married on April 13, 1953.

Joe's career took him and his family, now five children, to Traverse City where he was superintendent of Traverse City Light and Power. During his time there he oversaw construction of a 3.5 million generating plant and held office as president of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association. In 1972, he accepted the position as Director of Operations for the Board of Water and Light, becoming Assistant General Manager in 1983. Joe retired from the Board of Water and Light in 1994 and he was honored by the City of Lansing with the Island Avenue Bridge renamed in his honor. Joe was one of the original founders of the Michigan Public Power Agency and Chairmen of the Board. After his retirement Joe and his wife Sue moved to Leesburg, Florida where they enjoyed golfing and traveling.

Joe is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sue, and children Mary Jo Petras (Jerry), Tom (Marie), Brian (Melanie), Rick (Susan) and Cari. He also is survived by 9 grandchildren, Joe, Eliot, Eric, Scott, Alicia, Jordan, Cassie, Stephen and Ali and 7 great-grandchildren. Joe was known as the consummate gentlemen and his kindness and wit will be greatly missed.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Gerard Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. John Klein as Celebrant. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Palmer, Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel and Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church. A rosary will be prayed Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing in memory of Joseph. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.palmerbush.com.