Stephen "Steve" H. Wolfe

Limestone

Stephen H. Wolfe, age 74, of Limestone, died Wednesday afternoon, September 21, 2016 at his home under the loving care of his family and Lake Superior Hospice.  Steve was born on March 16, 1942 in Huntington, Long Island, New York to Michael and Grace Wolfe.  He was a very sick boy for several months as a young child.  His mother cared for him very intensely at that time.  Subsequently, he did everything he could to care for himself and become a very strong, self-sufficient individual.  Due to his illness, he became very nearsighted and wore “coke bottle” type glasses.   Steve tried to excel in everything; and pursued many things.   He was at the top of his class in academics, in difficult scientific courses; he also worked with his hands with electronics, building projects and helped his father with surveying.

Steve attended Cornell University and achieved a B.S. in theoretical physics; he then pursued his geophysics Ph.D. degree at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California.  He lived in Canada in the wilderness by himself for three months while working on his thesis.  There were many activities he enjoyed and did well at which included mountain climbing, hiking, gymnastics, skating, skiing and swimming.  He also liked weight lifting.  Steve was a private pilot and amateur hand radio operator.

Upon graduation, Steve worked for the Cold Regions Lab in New Hampshire for a time.  The property was so expensive, he and his wife, Veronica, moved to Upper Michigan and purchased 40 acres which included and old log cabin.  They restored the old cabin and built a new roof, full basement adjacent to the old basement and, in the process, Steve cut down some elm trees to use as pole support for the cabin and hauled them out of the woods by himself.  He was physically a very strong man and had character to match.  Steve he worked at several jobs which included a seasonal job with the U.S. Forest Service, UPCAP working with various technical programs, providing technical services where needed and computer programming.

Steve had compassion for the poor and underprivileged in the world.  He donated and sponsored many children throughout his life.  He always put others needs ahead of his own.  He will be missed but our assurance is that he is at home in heaven with the Lord through John 3:16.

Steve is survived by his wife – Veronica (Debelak) Wolfe; sons – Renuk of Norfolk, VA, Taulant Wolfe of Marquette, Antonis Wolfe of Chicago, IL, and Joseph Wolfe of Limestone; one daughter – Bethany Wolfe of South Carolina; several grandchildren; sister – Martha Glynn of Norwalk, CT; and brother – Michael Wolfe of Logan, UT.  Steve was preceded in death by his parents and son Knut Wolfe in 2000.

Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Trenary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.  Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon.   Pastor Sandra Kolder will conduct Steve’s funeral service at 12:00 p.m.  Interment will be at the Limestone Township Cemetery in Limestone.