John Paul Wolf, Sr., 91, of Salem, Oregon passed away on Jan. 7, 2022 from natural causes.
John was born on Sept. 6, 1930 to Jacob and Philomena Wolf in Sioux County, North Dakota. He was one of 11 children (Clara, Mary, Cecelia, Gabe, Agnes, Ruth, Virginia, Bernie, Leon, and Irene). After John graduated from Silverton High School in 1949, he went on to work as a dairy herdsman and a carpenter.
On Nov. 21, 1953, he married the love of his life, Lorraine Gottschalk, and went on to have five children (Joan, Anita, Cindy, John Jr., and Michael). As a young married couple, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where John worked as a superintendent for a well-known construction firm. In 1964, they returned to Silverton due to John’s mother being ill. In 2004, they relocated to Salem, Oregon.
After retiring from carpentry, John, a man of many talents, became an award-winning Irish Dexter cattle breeder, served a stint as the President of the Oregon Chapter of American Dexter Cattle Association, and spent numerous hours volunteering at the Evans Valley School. He was a devoted Catholic and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
John was happiest when his family and friends visited him. He will be remembered for his beaming smile and as a great storyteller that loved to make his family, friends, and caregivers laugh.
John is preceded in death by his wife,Lorraine; son, John Paul Wolf Jr.; his parents, Philomena and Jacob; siblings, Clara Lenzer, Gabe Wolf, Agnes Wasteney, Ruth Carreon, and Bernie Mager. He is survived by his children, Joan (Peter) Dibala, Anita (Mark) Flowers, Cindy (Jeff) Miller, and Michael (Annette) Wolf; siblings Mary Oziah, Cecelia Larsen, Virginia Sessums, Leon Wolf, and Irene Steinke; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
A rosary was held prior to a Mass of Christian burial on Jan. 25 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, in Silverton.
Memorial contributions can be made in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
