Kenneth E. Wolf, age 88, of Quincy passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023 in his home. Kenneth was born in Quincy on September 17, 1935, a son of Edward and Kathleen (Quest) Wolf. He married Barbara Jean Griffin in St. Peter Catholic Church on October 10, 1959 and she precedes him in death. Kenneth’s family believes that after just losing his wife, he left us to spend his anniversary with her in heaven. Kenneth was a graduate of Payson Seymour school and was an exceptional athlete during his high school years. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country as a lineman while stationed in Germany.

Kenneth was athletically gifted and enjoyed playing on the Army’s football and basketball teams. His passion for sports would continue to grow throughout his life. In 1971, Kenneth began coaching the St. Peter Boys Basketball and Baseball teams. He led the teams to many victories during his fourteen years as coach. Kenneth’s successful coaching career led him to be inducted into the CYO Hall of Fame for coaching in 2001. He was an IHSA umpire as well as an ASA umpire for the Quincy Park District for over four decades, retiring at the age of 75.

Kenneth worked at Electric Wheel for twenty-four and a half years. Kenneth was then a bus driver for Quincy Public Schools and then moved on to do maintenance for Dewey School. During all of those years, Kenneth also helped on his son’s farm. Ken was proud of the fact that he continued to be able to do chores at the farm until the end. He also spent countless hours in his garden. In his youth, Kenneth was a dedicated member of the FFA and 4-H. His love for cows began at an early age when he had to milk cows before and after school. This love continued when he helped his grandchildren show cows at the Adams County Fair. If Kenneth wasn’t coaching a team, he was playing on one! He played fast pitch softball until he was fifty years old and was in numerous basketball leagues. Kenneth played slow-pitch softball in the Senior Olympics until he was seventy-five. Kenneth, along with his beloved wife, Barbara, also competed in square dancing competitions throughout the area.

In his later years, you could find Ken at Daylight Donuts with a group of buddies. Whenever they were playing, Ken would cheer for the St. Louis Cardinals and comment on the umpiring. He also spent his time doting on his cat, Tux. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. Spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events was his favorite thing to do. He was their biggest supporter and ‘coach’ from the stands!

Survivors include his children: Kevin Wolf, Kendall Wolf, and Karen Wolf all of Quincy; Kurt (Tanya) Wolf of Liberty, IL and Kimberly (John) Miller of Quincy. Grandchildren: Rebecca (A.J.) Lane, Katelyn (Shane) Nelson and Carly Wolf; Kaylee (Andrew) Jansen, Alexis Wolf and Shawn (Daniele) Wolf; Kory (Natalie) Oliver, Justin (Ashley) Wolf and Kristin Martin; Connor, Carson and Cannen Wolf; Madelyn Miller and Carter Miller. Siblings: Marilyn (Lester) Kaufman; Doris Kidd; and Nancy (Phil) Featheringill. Great-grandchildren: Anna Mae and John Robert Lane, Keaton Jansen, Raeleigh Wolf, Harper and Colton Wolf. His aunt Marjorie Ballard and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with Monsignor Leo Enlow. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military honors. Visitation hours are 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Payson Progressors 4-H Club, the Adams County Beefers 4-H Club, or St. Peter School Youth Sports. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.