Otto Jacob Wolf

Otto Jacob Wolf
Born on Thanksgiving Day - November 26, 1953. Died on Thanksgiving Day - November 28, 2024.
Beloved Life Partner, Father of Daughters, Firefighter and Inspiration to Many.
Otto Jacob Wolf, 71, of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024 after a lifetime of overcoming struggles from a stroke at the age of 40, two liver transplants, and many other medical ailments. He was surrounded by the love and support of his life-partner and two daughters during his final moments.
Otto was born on Thanksgiving Day - November 26, 1953 to Otto and Irene (Nee Steigenberger) Wolf in Chieming near the Bavarian Mountains in Germany. At the age of five, his family migrated to America, where Otto, his older brother Ernie and their father, Otto Sr., made a home in Chicago, IL. Otto attended Waller Park High School but his real education was found in the hustle and bustle of navigating the Windy City as an impoverished youth with an iron will to survive.
Otto was a self-made man and a hard-worker. He had a painting business with his brother and father called 'Wolf N Sons," drove trucks, and beat out 500 applicants in 1985 to become a Chicago Firefighter, where he was the "Pipeman," the first-in-line off the truck to attack the fire. He proudly served on Engine #55 at Halsted and Diversey and his position was a foreshadowing of the bravery he would face in years to come, when a stroke would force him into early retirement at the age of 40.
He is the father of two daughters, Ingrid (nee Wolf) Payne and Emily Wolf, whom he would give the shirt off his back to, striving to provide a better life than he had as a child. When his first marriage to their mother, Denise (nee Ford) Harmon ended on amicable terms, Otto went on to meet the love of his life, best friend (and eventually, caregiver) for the next 34 years, Renee Malas Stevens.
After a life-changing stroke, Otto spent the second half of his life in the comfort and care of Renee, and later, her mother Mattina, who became Otto's "Ma," in the absence of his own. Otto and Renee enjoyed trips to Wisconsin, concerts, movies, getting together with family for the holidays and visits from his daughters, their partners and three grandchildren, Otto, Wolf and Sonny.
Otto was an avid sports enthusiast. His favorite teams included the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, White Sox and Blackhawks, and he could clearly tell you who won a game and what the score was, even as he struggled to form other parts of speech. He enjoyed attending games with his cousin George Gibson and devoted son-in-law John Payne. Otto was a fierce competitor and enjoyed a good Chess match, reminding his opponents to "concentrate" as he schooled them mercilessly.
Music was a huge part of his life. His idol was "The King" AKA Elvis Presley and getting to visit Graceland with Renee was a memory he would frequently revisit. Otto couldn't carry a tune, but boy could he dance. He attracted audiences at the Disco in the 1970s and continued to carry that rhythm throughout his lifetime; waving his signature fist-pump in the air. While the stroke stole his mobility, his love of food never waivered. Otto's favorite was a Combo sandwich (sausage and beef with sweet peppers) from his beloved Mr. Beef, even asking to have it pureed when he struggled to swallow solids.
Otto was a gentle soul who charmed everyone in his orbit. Although his ability to speak was impaired, his presence and energy alone left an impression on people. He always found a way to connect, making friends wherever he went. This was also evident in his bond to animals. Otto saw many pets pass in his lifetime - including Pook, Bandit, Baby, Zeus and Rocky, who all served as protectors perched near the front of Dad's loveseat.
He had a "Buddha-like" presence, taking life as it came and making the most of the moments he lived. He appreciated simple things and had no expectations of people. The battle to overcome the stroke amongst other hospitalizations might have caused one to give up on life, but he persisted and set an example to us all about the attitude it takes to handle adversity. His positivity was infectious, and that perfect smile alone will carry us all into the future.
Otto is survived by the love of his life, Renee. His children, Ingrid (John) Payne and Emily (Eddie Gurevich) Wolf; grandsons Otto James Payne, John Wolf Payne and Sonny Ford Gurevich; brother Ernie (Robin) Wolf, niece Anna Wolf and mother Mattina Malas.
A visitation will be held at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church on Friday, December 6 at 10:30am, followed by a funeral service at 11:30. The burial will take place directly after at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Otto's memorial services https://everloved.com/life-of/otto-wolf/donate/.
Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.