SOUTH WAYNE - Edward R. Wolff Sr. of South Wayne, Wisconsin passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 with his loving family by his side. He fought a brave fight with cancer for over a year. He was born on March 2, 1933 to Fred C. and Ida (Frank) Wolff at the home farm located on the Stateline Road in Wayne Township, Lafayette County, Wisconsin.
He graduated from South Wayne High School in 1950. He received the John Philip Sousa Award for playing in band and singing in chorus. He was a member of the 32nd Inf. Division Band from 1950-1960. Ed married Sonja Ellingson on June 9, 1951. They celebrated 61 years together.
Ed enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and spending time with his family and friends. He was very proud of working on his century farm and also represented Pioneer Seed for over 20 years. In 2011, he had the opportunity to operate his nephew's Fritz and Jamie's 12 row combine. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Warren where he served on council, various committees and was choir director for over 50 years. He sang in Barber Shop Quartets throughout the years and many songs with his brother Fred at various weddings, funerals and other events. He had the most beautiful harmonies to "Happy Birthday" at birthday celebrations. Ed enjoyed singing with his wife especially "I Love You Truly". His life was filled with his passion for music. He was the first President of Zion Country Club and very active in establishing and keeping the farm community of Zion going. He continued supporting the community of Zion and became involved with the community of South Wayne when he and his wife moved to South Wayne in 1991. Ed enjoyed trips with his family and friends and time spent at his son Russ' cabin on the lake in the summer. Ed was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
He is survived by his wife, Sonja of South Wayne, seven children: Rhonda (Joe) Hartwig of South Wayne, WI, Rod (Kriss) Wolff of German Valley, IL, Randy (Kay) Wolff of Gratiot, WI, Russ (Sheila) Wolff of Cottage Grove, WI, Rita (Tim) Crotty of Shullsburg, WI, and Tim (Kristen) Wolff of Monroe, WI; 22 Grandchildren and 11 Great-Grandchildren; 1 sister: Phyllis Leitzen of Warren, IL and 1 brother: Frederick (Fran) Wolff of Warren and his 6 children and spouses and their families and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Marjorie Herbig and Dorothy Wolff and their oldest son, Edward R. Jr. (Rick) Wolff who passed away in 1999.
He will be missed by all his family and friends. His sense of humor will be remembered and cherished always: as will his faith, his dedication to his family and singing of the many songs in his life.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Warren, Illinois.
Visitation will be from 5 pm -9 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Warren.
Vicor Erik Rundquist and Pastor Margo Peterson will officiate at the services.
Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, Illinois.
A memorial fund has been established in his memory.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.leamonfh.com.