Obituary for Gerald Wolfe

Gerald Peter Wolfe, 70, of Manchester, formerly of Ryan, died Saturday, August 13, 2011, in the home he built, surrounded by the family he loved. Jerry was born near Hopkinton, Iowa to Charles and Dorothy (Grieff) Wolfe. He graduated from St. Patrick High School and was united in marriage to Mary Kathleen Lyness on January 12, 1963 in Ryan. He spent his life farming and in construction. He courageously lived his life goals despite a prostate cancer diagnosis 10 years ago. He designed and built the home he and Kathy shared atop a windy hill overlooking the beauty of Delaware County. He established the “Windy Hill” Market, selling fruits and vegetables and especially the sweet corn that was enjoyed by many. He and his son Tim re-built Jerry’s 1966 Chevy Impala Super Sport. Jerry was proud to take his car to local and regional car shows and won several awards for his work. In recent years Jerry enjoyed winters in Texas and built a home and community of friends there. He is survived by “the love of his life”, Kathy, his daughters Kris (and Rick) Thole of Manchester, Karrie (and Chuck) Seiler of Bloomington, MN, Kim (and TJ) Hawkins of Solon, and son Tim of Eden Prairie, MN, 7 grandchildren: Ben Haight, Clare Haight, Nathan Hawkins, Emily Thole, Aaron Thole, Anna Thole, Ellie Hawkins, 3 step-grandchildren, Mike (Michele) Seiler, Allison (and Tim) Poff, Tom Seiler, and 1 step-great grandchild, Seiler Ellen, sister Karen (and Marvin) Ries, and brother Rick (and Carrie) Wolfe. He was preceded in death by his parents, his niece, Sandy Ries, and his beloved dog Bailey. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, August 18 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan with Father Jack Flaherty officiating. Visitation will be at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 17 from 2-8 PM with a prayer service at 2PM. Visitors will also be received after 10AM on Thursday. A private family burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Ryan. Life goes on the same with the loss of a trinket, but never the loss of a treasure. Jerry was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. His family was his greatest treasure. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family for a scholarship to be established.