Gary H. Wolfe

Gary H. Wolfe, 95

Gary Hamilton Wolfe of Grafton joined Jesus in Heaven on August 13, 2024. Born July 19, 1929, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Lyster and Kathleen (nee McKenna) Wolfe, he was the eldest of four. Gary met the love of his life, Mary Alice Mueller at the Third Order of St. Francis. They were married on July 31, 1951. For 72 years, Gary’s faith grew with Mary’s and now he is joyfully back at her side.

Gary was a leader, mentor, confidant and friend. A graduate of Marquette High School, he continued his education at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and became a Master Electrician. Every time a new baby joined the family, Gary was blessed with a better job. After 37 years as Manufacturing Engineering Manager at the American Motors Plant in Milwaukee (later Chrysler), Gary retired to start his own business - Wolfe Electric Service. His sons and grandsons learned more than just how to wire an outlet. At age 82, Gary retired a second time but continued to offer electrical and life consulting to family and friends.

Gary, a renaissance man and avid reader, kept up to date on current events and could explain how to fix almost anything - faulty appliances, cars, homes, and if asked, possibly how to get those astronauts back to earth. He set the example of taking time to think through solutions, letting God lead, focusing on hard work, dedication and love of family. His Irish blue eyes twinkled as he laughed at his blarney about elephants, Susie Q, and wire weasels.

Gary truly trusted Jesus. He served our country during the Korean conflict and since the day he went to Korea, 73 years ago, a little prayerbook could be found in his pocket. As a member of St. Francis Borgia Church, Gary served as a catechist, Eucharistic minister and bible study leader. He prayed daily for his family and friends. He found peace in his Communion prayer, “Lord, let Your precious Body and Blood mix with mine and travel through my body, healing all my fears, all my illnesses, fill me with Your peace. Let Your precious Body and Blood mix with mine and flow throughout my being. Make me into all You would have me be that I might love like You.”

Love for his family was unquestionable. Even without his beloved Mary Alice, Gary kept the tradition of sending greeting cards to recognize our joys and accomplishments. He made sure to be at a multitude of family celebrations and when unable to attend, would call or send a text with his congratulations.

Gary’s life spanned many generations. His legacy will live on through his loving family. He is survived by 11 children - Frances (Aaron) Wolfe-Bertling, James (Linda), Patrick (Patricia), Kathleen (Steven) Pusker, Christopher (JoAnna), Gerard (Janet), Michael (Barbara), Timothy (Peter), Richard (Margaret), Brian (Angela) and Joseph (Yvonne), 47 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren (1 on the way!), his brother Thomas (Cindy), sisters-in-law Bonnie (late Michael) Wolfe, Rose (Francis) Vasquez and Camille (late Carl) Mueller, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers Hugh and Michael, grandchildren Catherine Pusker and Nathaniel Wolfe, great-grandchild Lily Ann Wolfe and daughter-in-law Laurie Wolfe.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 12 pm (Noon), at St. Francis Borgia North Church, 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg. Visitation from 10 am until 11:45 am. Gary will be laid to rest at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery, Mequon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pro-Life Wisconsin or St. Francis Borgia Church.