Harry L. Wolff
Harry L. Wolff, age 86, of Berlin, died Friday, May 1, 2015 at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center in Neenah with his family by his side.
He was born May 19, 1928, in Berlin, the son of Harry and Esther Ludwig Wolff. He was united in marriage to Virginia Root on Aug. 5, 1950, at the Methodist Church on Park Avenue in Berlin.
Harry graduated from Berlin High School in the famed class of 1946 where he excelled in academics and athletics. His was the first class to win Little Ten championships in football, basketball, track and golf.
Immediately upon high school graduation Harry enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he became an electronics instructor in the Naval Aviation Electronics Technicians Mate school in Memphis, Tennessee. After his stint in the Navy, Harry obtained a Bachelor’s degree in education at Wisconsin State University at Oshkosh. He majored in math and sciences. His first teaching job was in Genoa City where he taught math. Later he taught math, physics and chemistry in schools in Weyauwega, Berlin and Janesville. During his early years in teaching Harry continued his education, first obtaining a Master’s degree in math education at UW Madison. With an eye toward teaching at the university level, Harry was determined to obtain a doctorate, and earned a PhD at Kansas University at Lawrence. He then taught 27 years in the math education department at UW-O, retiring in 1991. During his teaching career Harry became known for his signature mink bow ties, a fashion he sported throughout his life on special occasions.
He received a Distinguished Teaching Award in 1990 at UW-O. Upon his retirement Harry built a home just east of Berlin and returned with his wife, Virginia, to their home town.
Though gifted academically, Harry was an avid outdoorsman. Gardening, hunting and fishing occupied his retirement years. He loved the outdoors and each year eagerly anticipated the growing season. Several generations of Wolffs hunted deer on a 100-acre woods he owned near Auroraville for more than four decades. He was handy with tools and remodeled his own home and helped his sons with numerous DIY projects. He could be seen well into his 80s plowing snow, mowing lawns and digging up weeds at his rural Berlin home.
Harry was a member of numerous professional organizations during his career and more recently enjoyed meeting with retired educators for regular outings to area restaurants. He and Virginia vacationed with close friends they met during Harry’s teaching years in Janesville. Using the first letters of the four couples’ last names they created the WHAT Group and as such enjoyed annual outings. Harry was active in the Berlin High School Alumni Association and the American Legion O’Connor-Chiers Post 340. He was a member of Berlin United Methodist Church.
Those who knew him will attest there was nothing Harry couldn't do, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for his family. A devoted father and grandfather, Harry took great pride in his children's and grandchildrens' accomplishments. He rarely missed a recital or sporting event. He was always there to lend a hand, whether you needed help with a math problem or recommendations on the best tomatoes for your garden -- Harry just seemed to know the answer. Harry's dry wit and uncanny comedic timing kept his family and friends in stitches, even in his final days.
Harry is survived by his wife, Virginia; two sons, Gary (Patricia) Wolff, of Berlin, and David, of Colfax; seven grandchildren, Nathan (Joan) Wolff, Amelia (Dave) Compton Wolff, Daniel Wolff, Erin Wolff, Joshua Wolff, Tristan Wolff, and Jonathan (Samantha) Wolff; two great-grandsons, Reese and Austin; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene; two sisters, Nancy Brock and Arlene Wolff; and daughter-in-law, Mary Wolff.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Berlin, the Rev. Aaron Alfred officiating. Entombment will be in Lake View Memorial Park in Oshkosh. Friends and relatives may call on Tuesday, May 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin and on Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the services. Military honors will be performed at the church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com.