Kenneth H. Wolfe, age 77 of Rhinelander, died Saturday, March 4, 2017, at St. Mary’s Hospital in the company of his wife and children.  He was born Jan. 7, 1940, in Green Bay to Frank and Marie (Lockman) Wolfe.

Ken attended Green Bay West High School and graduated in 1958. While attending high school, “The Greyhound” earned first team all-state honors in football after averaging 9.9 yards per carry in his senior season.  He also earned first team all-state honors in track, running the 100, 200, and multiple relays.  On Nov. 28, 1959, Ken married the love his life, Jill Hoffman, in Green Bay and they were able to enjoy 57 years together. Following the birth of a son, Ken Jr., Ken was called to active duty with the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis and served in Colorado Springs, Colo., where son, Mark was born in 1962.  In 1963, the family returned to Green Bay and welcomed daughter, Tammy.

Ken was employed with REA Express in Green Bay and transferred to the company’s Rhinelander branch in 1967. The family resided at the cottage on Enterprise Lake near Elcho until the family home in Rhinelander was ready.  Following the closure of REA Express, Ken was employed for a number of years with Eckert Wrecking and then was a press operator for the Hodag Shopper until his retirement.  He also worked at the Hodag Country Festival for many years.

Earlier in life, Ken played fast pitch softball in both Green Bay and Rhinelander. He loved time spent with family and friends at the cottage on Enterprise Lake as well as many outdoor activities, especially hunting and fishing.  He was a great fan and supporter of the Green Bay Packers.  Even at the age of 77, Ken enjoyed texting with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

Ken is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jill Wolfe of Rhinelander; his three children, Ken (Deb) Wolfe Jr. of Wausau, Mark (Lisa) Wolfe of DePere and Tammy (Scott) Ison of Sheboygan Falls; six grandchildren, Sara, Andrew, Danielle, Kendra, Kaleb, and Nolan; three sisters, Susan (Ralph) Pace of Milwaukee, Linda (Dean) Brooks of Texas, and Donna (Eddie) Wold of Minn. and his special pet companion, Regi. He is further survived by a nephew, nieces, other extended family, and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents, Frank and Esther Wolfe and Marie and Ken Nohr and a brother, Francis Wolfe.

A memorial service for Ken will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, March 10 at the Carlson Funeral Home with Chaplain John Uhlarik officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.  Condolences to the family may be directed at www.carlsonfh.com.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Lai at the Marshfield Clinic and the staffs at Rennes Health and Rehab and St. Mary’s Hospital ICU and Critical Care Unit for the care and comfort they provided their “Little Buddy.”

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests support of a memorial to be placed at Ken’s deer stand and at the cottage on Enterprise Lake.