Donald Wolfe

Donald Edward Wolfe (91) died peacefully on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at Lake Winona Manor, in Winona MN surrounded by his daughters Renee Brunner and Rhonda Puetz.

Don was born on July 10, 1930, in Austin MN to Mabel Irene Dockham and Charles B. Wolfe.

Don is survived by his daughters, Renee Brunner, Owatonna, MN, Rhonda (Steve) Puetz, Rollingstone, MN; two grandsons, Tyler Puetz and Brian Puetz; two great grandsons, Gabriel and Myles; his sister, Delores Cafourek; step brothers, Rolland (Georgia) Dockham, Chuck Dockham; sister-in-law, Marlene Oldenburg; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles (stepmother Agnes) Wolfe, Mabel Irene (step father Charles) Dockham; wife, Alberta Wolfe; son-in-law, Bill Brunner; sisters, Dorothy (Ed) Kumpke, Norma (Mike) Diaz; brother, Charles (Corrine) Wolfe; step sisters and brothers; brother-in-law, Eugene Oldenburg.

Don attended Austin High School and later joined the U.S. Army.  Don was a Sergeant serving in Japan from Mar 1947 – Dec 1949.

Shortly after Don’s return to the U.S., Donald Wolfe and Alberta Oldenburg were united in marriage on August 19, 1950, at the Church of Christ in Austin, MN.  They adopted Renee then three years later adopted Rhonda.

Don worked at Hormel in Austin for several years.  After retirement, Don liked staying busy so he had an engine repair business.   Don was also an avid CB-er and enjoyed talking to his fellow CB friends around the world.  In the 70’s, Don invented and patented a CB radio antenna.  Don was a member of the Austin Police Auxiliary in the 70’s.

When the girls were young, their popup camper seemed like quite a luxury in those days and they had many happy memories traveling to many different locations.  Don and Alberta later had many fun years traveling in their motorhome.  Their favorite location was Branson MO with their tiny toy poodle named Teddy.

Don attended the Austin Church of Christ where he enjoyed serving in a number of church functions.

One of Don’s passions was playing golf.  He played in many tournaments over the years and has many trophies to show for it.   Don could no longer walk 18 holes when he was in his 80’s; however, as long as he had a golf cart, he was still able to play.  Dad enjoyed playing golf at many popular golf courses around the nation but he also enjoyed his membership and the good folks at Adams Country Club in Adams, MN.

After his wife, Alberta, passed away in 2012, Dad formed a special relationship with a dear friend, Marilee (Marilyn) Patterson.  Unfortunately, Marilee passed in 2016.  They enjoyed four very special and fun years together.

He loved spending time with family.  He adored his daughter Renee and her late husband Bill and especially enjoyed a special cruise and other adventures together.  He also adored his daughter Rhonda and family.  Often playing golf with son-in-law Steve and he adored his grandsons Tyler and Brian and great grandsons Gabe and Myles.  When visited by family and especially his grandsons and great grandsons, his eyes would light up and sparkle.

Don (dad) spent the last eight months of his life at Lake Winona Manor, Winona, MN, where he had exceptional care.  He couldn’t say enough good about “His People” as he called them when referring to staff.  He had so many special nurses and caregivers.   He had many special relationships and truly loved “His People”.  There are too many names to mention and I would hate to leave anybody out but Sam (Samantha), Bridget, Sheri, Dar, Lisa, Stephanie, Saidi, were nurses often in the room when I (Rhonda) visited Dad.  All of the staff were so very special to Dad.

A Funeral Service will be held 1 pm on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Mayer Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating.  Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Wednesday.  Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com