George Henry Wolf, 77, of Osceola, Iowa died Wednesday April 28, 2021 at taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa. George was born on June 18, 1943 to Don C. Wolf and June (Meyer) Wolf. The first couple years of his life, he and his mother lived with his beloved Uncle and Aunt, Ray and Ruth Ruegnitz, on their farm near Elkport, Iowa while his father Don served in the Army stationed in London, England during World War II. Also helping take care of him in those early years were his beloved Uncle and Aunt Glenn and Mildred Stannard of Cedar Rapids. He was lucky also to live near his Grandparents, George H and Emma Meyer and Hank and Olivia Wolf. His Grandfather, George H Meyer, instilled in him the love of hunting, fishing and most importantly conservation. His grandfather was a lifelong conservationist and avid outdoorsman in his own right having a notable role in helping to advance the Conservation movement in Iowa through the 1950’s serving as a Commissioner on the Iowa Conservation Commission.
George married Janet Rubens in 1963 and to this union Roger, Robert and Donald were born. In 1978, he married Christine Seibert and had another son, Cory. Then in 1988 he met his best friend and soulmate Pat Brandstrom. They were married in 1996 and he gained 2 heart-sons, Lyle and Kirk Brandstrom.
George graduated from Elkader High School class of 1961 and earned a Fish and Wildlife Biology degree from Upper Iowa University in 1965. During the 1970’s he owned a 100-acre farm near Stone City, Iowa where he raised cattle, hogs, corn and hay. During this time, he also was a high school biology teacher at Central City and Knoxville, Iowa. In 1979, George served as a summer Interpretive Park Ranger at Effigy Mounds National Monument in northeast Iowa. In 1980, he began his dream career working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He served as a Ranger at Coralville Lake near Iowa City and then became the Missouri River Omaha District Wildlife Biologist headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. From there, he went to Big Bend Dam on Lake Sharp, Fort Thompson, South Dakota serving as the Lake Manager. His next promotion was to Project Manager for Garrison Dam on Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. He finished his career back at Big Bend Dam serving as Project Manager until his retirement in 2003. He had a great appreciation and respect for the Native American Leaders at both Big Bend Dam and Garrison Dam and they for him.
After his retirement, George purchased a farm near Osceola Iowa and established Wolf Brothers Wildlife Enterprises, LLC to continue his legacy and enabling his sons to further its management and enjoyment into the future. He and Pat worked side by side over the years, practicing active stewardship building the 616 acres into exceptional Whitetail Deer and Wild Turkey habitats. They started Otter Creek Kennels and sold French Brittany’s from beloved Tazer and Val and kept one of their offspring Rusty. His dogs were constant companions for 14 years and their ashes will be buried with him. George also served three years on the USDA Farm Services Agency County Committee for Clarke County and was Vice Chairman 2011 – 2012 helping to ensure Clarke County farmers interests were considered in the implementation of USDA Farm Bill Programs.
George was a lifelong conservationist and avid outdoorsman – fisherman, hunter, and trapper – learning these values and honing skills from his grandfather. He has passed this appreciation and knowledge on to his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and his many friends that come to hunt and learn from the best. George has left all who touched his life with many fond memories, including harvesting salmon from Lake Michigan, walleye, geese, mule deer and antelope from Dakotas and Montana as well as ice fishing in many lakes and rivers throughout the upper Midwest. These resources were always honored and not taken for granted.
Everyone who met George loved him and his sense of humor. He made many friends throughout his life and greatly appreciated the meaningful camaraderie. Thank you for enriching his life.
He is survived by his wife Pat, Osceola, IA; sons Roger Wolf (Anne) Johnston, IA; Robert Wolf (Jennifer) DeWitt, MI; Donald Wolf (Janet) Lombard, IL; and Cory Wolf (Angie) Marion, IA. Heart sons: Lyle Brandstrom (Tamy) Grade Forks, ND; and Kirk Brandstrom Oacoma, SD; twelve grandchildren; two great grandchildren; Cousins Chuck Wolf Maquoketa, IA; and Mark Wolf Auburn, CA; lifelong friends Maury and Linda Glesne and John Steffens; hunting soulmates; Tim Coolidge, Craig Coolidge, John Card, Mike Sieve, Ryan Woller, Chris Gappa, and Kevin Reynolds.
Memorials will go to Clarke County Conservation Board to be used for Day Camps at East Lake Park. A bench is being placed on the new walking trail between the Elementary School and East Park. Please plant trees, prairie, and gardens. Be an active conservationist. Go fishing and hunting. Leave the world a better place for those who follow. Remember and honor those who got us here.
A memorial service for George Henry Wolf, age 77, of rural Osceola, IA will be held 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on June 12, 2021 at Leonard – Grau Funeral Home, 405 N. 1st Street, Elkader, Iowa. Directly following the memorial, he will be buried in Union Cemetery, Littleport, Iowa.
A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles Lodge, 2329 N Main St., Osceola, Iowa on his 78th birthday June 18, 2021, from 7:00 to 10:00 P.M.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.