John G. Wolfe

1936 - 2017

(News story) John G. Wolfe, a hard-working Toledo resident who served both his country in the Navy and students at area schools, died Saturday at ProMedica Flower Hospital. He was 80.

The cause of death was heart failure, said his daughter, Cathy Klewer.

Mrs. Klewer, 56, of Oregon, said relatives will remember Mr. Wolfe's integrity and love for family.

She recalled recently going through her father's possessions - military memorabilia, pictures of family, and plaques from school - and thanking him for all he provided.

"It's been a privilege to sort through it all," she said.

Mr. Wolfe served in active duty from 1959 to 1962 after a fraternity friend at Bowling Green State University encouraged him to enlist, said his son, Chuck Wolfe.

He ultimately retired in 1990 from the Navy Reserve as a captain, said the younger Mr. Wolfe, 49, of Raleigh, N.C.

Mr. Wolfe loved seeing the world, including Japan and the Philippines, and remained proud of his military service. Years later, he would often strike up conversations with others who served, his son said.

"He always referred to the Navy as the great fraternity," the younger Mr. Wolfe said.

After the military, Mr. Wolfe spent 30 years as a teacher and administrator. He was a principal at Whittier School and South Junior High School in Lima, Ohio; Clay High School in Oregon, and Bedford High School in Bedford, Ohio. He was principal at Clay from 1974 to 1984, and retired from Bedford four years later.

Students remembered him as a fair disciplinarian who uniformly applied rules. His son said he enjoyed working with students, and encouraged those interested in the military.

Mr. Wolfe continued with a remodeling business, operating C&J Enterprises from 1988 to 2008. His wife, Mary Wolfe, 80, of Toledo, said customers appreciated his work ethic.

"They liked him because they trusted him, and they knew he would do the job right," Mrs. Wolfe said.

He was born July 10, 1936, in Lima, to Harley and Ethel Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe graduated from BGSU in 1959 with degrees in industrial arts education and elementary education.

He married his wife in 1958 on June 14 - Flag Day, which inspired the couple to say people flew flags for their anniversary. When he and his wife turned 80 last year, the family hosted a large party.

"We were so glad that he was healthy enough that we could do that for them," Mrs. Klewer said.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Wolfe; daughters, Cathy Klewer, Elizabeth Faneuff, and Barbara Pappas; son, Chuck Wolfe; 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., with Masonic memorial services starting at 7 p.m., followed by a sharing of memories with family and friends.

The family suggests contributions to Toledo Shrine Hospital in Perrysburg.

This is a news story by Blade staff writer Ryan Dunn. Contact him at: rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @rdunnblade.