Raymond Walter Wolf was a doting husband, loving father, and caring grandfather as well as a friend to all. He left the world peacefully on March 11, 2024 at the age of 97.
He was born to Emanuel and Theresa Wolf on April 14, 1926. Ray moved from Montana to the Pacific Northwest at a very young age. He spent time as a merchant marine prior to joining the United States Navy in which he served in Okinawa during World War II. After his service, he returned to Oregon where he met the love of his life Shirley at a dance. They were married 72 years at the time of Shirley’s passing in 2022. They had 3 children, Sherie Fleetwood, Bill Wolf and Vickie Willson. He was blessed with 3 grandchildren, Alicia Sims, Jenifer Wolf and Carter Willson and 2 great grandchildren, Blessyn Sims and Zariyah Sims.
Ray is remembered as “the Ambassador of the Family”. Ray loved family so much that Ray and Shirley spent countless hours tracking down every relative they could find. They would drive across the country for months at a time visiting relatives close and far away; getting to know all generations of the Wolf and Talent families. their 4th of July event attracted families from all parts of the USA and would bring both sides of their family together. Several of his nieces and nephews saw them as their 2nd parents.
He worked for the State Highway department for years, many of them as the Fabrication shop Supervisor. When not traveling, Ray enjoyed remodeling his home. The family homestead seemed to be in a constant state of remodel and had several additions over the decades. Along with his wife Shirley, they created a large subdivision named WolNel Park and acquired 15 rental houses.
Ray was also very active in his spiritual life. He attended Redeemer Lutheran church where he was on the building committee during it’s construction and later St. John Lutheran Church. He served in several capacities such as Sunday School Teacher, Elder, Usher and many more. He loved attending and hosting Bible study classes.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Thursday March 28th, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church is Salem Oregon. Viewing will be at 10:00 AM.
Cards and remembrances can be sent in care of St. John Lutheran Church. 1350 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301