Frederick “Fred” L. Wolf, 87, of rural Ashland, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024.
Born on August 8, 1936, in Shelby, Ohio, Fred was the son of Russell and Bertha (nee Ryland) Wolf. He grew up in rural Shelby, Ohio and helped work the family farm. In 1954, Fred graduated from Union High School in Shelby. He enrolled in the Air Guard while in High School, and transferred to active Air Force duty upon graduation, completing Basic Training in Valdosta, Georgia. Fred was stationed in Furstenfeldbruck, Germany as part of the Strategic Air Command. After his tour in Germany, Fred returned to Columbus, OH and was stationed at Lockbourne AF base until he completed his service. While in the Air Force, he received the National Defense Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award and Good Conduct Medal. He was a legal specialist/clerk in the JAG division Airman First Class (E4).
Fred was employed at the General Motors plant in Ontario, OH for over 30 years, and was general plant supervisor in the materials department.
Fred married the love of his life, Valerie Kay (nee Mosser) Wolf on November 30,1957. They met in 7th grade, and Kay decided then that she was going to marry Fred. They were married 66 years. Fred and Kay loved to travel and spent many miles traveling throughout the US and Canada on motorcycles; they reached the 200,000 mile club for miles logged on their BMW and 50,00 on the Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Fred loved to “tinker.” He spent countless hours in the barn, building, fixing, and modifying almost anything. He built picnic tables and benches, birdhouses, modified tractors, and lawnmowers. He enjoyed electrical work around the house and plumbing. He enjoyed tinkering on his cars and Jeeps as well. His brother-in-law Richard Mosser often traded “gizmos and gadgets” with Fred as Christmas gag gifts. Fred was an avid knife collector and collected antique clocks which he often repaired and kept in working order. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and National Rifle Association. He was also a member of the National Knife Collectors Club.
Fred is survived by his children, Michael (Lori) Wolf, and Karin Schwan; by his grandchildren, Joshua (Caroline) Wolf, Jared (Christina) Wolf, Jordan (Derek) Palizay, Tabi Alexander, Andrew Wolf, Nicolaus (Lisa) Schwan, Christopher (Michelle) Schwan; and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kay; infant brother, David; brother, Martin Wolf; sister, Rosemary Bartley; infant granddaughter, Jevon Wolf; and son-in-law, Fred Schwan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to The Music Fund, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center Street, Ashland, OH 44805.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Ashland is honored to serve the Wolf family.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors-Ashland
Website: www.wappner.com