John D. Wolf

Sept. 29, 1918 - Jan. 9, 2019

VALPARAISO, IN - John Wolf finished his incredible journey on January 9, 2019, at age 100. He was born on Sept. 29, 1918 in Kansas City, MO. In 1941 he married Carolyn Kelsey in New York City before joining the Navy, where he received numerous combat citations including the Bronze Star.

Following World War II, he joined the Indiana Conference of the Methodist Church where he served 7 Indiana churches including South Bend St. Paul's and finally retiring in Valparaiso. In addition, John was the South Bend UMC District Superintendent. He was always a voice for civil rights, women's rights, and social justice issues.

John was a tireless proponent of the YMCA. When in South Bend, he served on the Y and Y Camp Eberhart Boards, becoming a close friend of George Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Bessie Wolf and his loving wife of 71 years, Carolyn Wolf. He is survived by his sons, John Jr. (Vicki) in South Bend, Carter (Kim Gattle) in Indianapolis, and Earl (Deborah) in Williamston, MI, along with 9 grandkids and great-grandkids including Sarah Kelsey Petty, Carter Wolf, II, and Tyler Wolf from South Bend. South Bend great-grandkids include Ben Petty, Cameron Petty, Cooper Petty, Leila Petty, and Anu Wolf.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Y Camp Eberhart Alumni Association.

Service will be held Friday, January 18, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN @ 11am CST.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Wolf

19 Entries

David Heim

January 7, 2024

Hardly a day goes by that I don´t think of John and thank the Lord for the experience of being in ministry with him and growing from his wisdom and passion for truth and justice.

David W. Heim

January 7, 2022

John was a wonderful ministry mentor as I served in Valparaiso with him when I was just out of seminary. He was challenging, encouraging and always kind. I´ve always admired him. I think of John often and still have a copy of his book on his naval chaplain experiences.

The Roland Brandt family

Planted Trees

David Heim

January 7, 2020

When I was a young associate pastor with John I fondly remember going to Valparaiso High School football games with him and then stopping at Browns for popcorn ice cream after the game. I learned a lot from John and it was a pleasure to be in ministry with him.

John Johnston

January 18, 2019

What a great life...one to be emulated...very hard to copy. I wish I would have known you many years ago. See you "There."

H C S

January 18, 2019

"Well done, good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:21

Holly Heitzman

Sent Flowers

January 17, 2019

John was always very kind to us. His witness was a powerful one and his exemplary life was truly an inspiration. Our lives have been blessed just knowing him. -Carole and Frank Lyman

Nancy Nichols

January 15, 2019

I don't remember when I first met John but it was early in my time in the conference. His passion for justice and his courage in speaking out taught me much about the prophetic nature of ministry. I am so thankful he has been part of my journey. Rev. Nancy Nichols

Harold Leininger II

January 15, 2019

What a fantastic colleague and brother in Christ. We served together in Ft. Wayne.

January 15, 2019

Carter, our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Larry, Becky and Audrey Neiswender

David Maish

January 15, 2019

John was a great mentor and colleague to me when I was a student pastor at Waterford, founding pastor of South Bend Clay, and associate at Fort Wayne First Wayne St. I admired his energy, sharpness of mind, creativity in worship, inclusive administration, and passion for social justice.

David Heim

January 15, 2019

John was a huge influence on me and my ministry as I had the honor of serving with him as an Associate Pastor at Valparaiso First UMC from 1982 to 1984 when John retired. I will always feel blessed to have worked with such a great, fun, wise and caring friend and mentor in the faith.

Anna Ruth Pearcy

January 14, 2019

I have such fond memories of John Wolf. My husband David & I were married by him in Martinsville, Indiana in 1957. He was our minister for many years & was so loved & respected.

Kal and Bonnie Waxman

January 13, 2019

Jack, Carter and Earl and the entire Wolf Family,
We send our sincere condolences to all of you at this most difficult time. May the fond memories of the time spent with your father bring you great comfort.
Kal and Bonnie Waxman

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Maureen Honey

Sent Flowers

Maureen Honey

January 13, 2019

John lived as long and as well as anyone I have ever known. What a gift he was to all of us, but especially to his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He will be long remembered and with great love.

Sandy Harlan

January 13, 2019

It has been such a gift to know him. He shaped my faith early in life. May he Rest In Peace. Comfort to the family. --Rev. Sandy Harlan

January 13, 2019

I am sorry to hear of his passing; sincere condolences to his family. He was a remarkable, kind, generous man. And he was a true "gentle" man. May God rest his soul.

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