John Fredrick Wolf Jr.

John was born April 6, 1949 in Salem, Oregon, to his loving parents, John F. Wolf Sr. and Eleanor Corey Wolf, who preceded him in death.

John grew up in Salem and graduated from Serra Catholic High School in 1967. His closeness to friends from high school continued as they parted ways, but their friendship remained strong as they celebrated their mutual interests and memories. He attended St. Martin's College near Olympia, Washington then graduated from OCE (Western Oregon University) in Elementary Education in 1971.

John was an avid golfer, bowler and President of the Men's Club at Salem Golf Club. His passion for golf found him many days golfing and playing cards with his buddies at the course. He always found time to help friends with golfing tips, and encouraging them to push on through their return to golfing following an illness. His sense of fairness and doing what is right followed him in his endeavors.

John married Dana Saabye Wolf on June 18, 1977 and would have been celebrating their 35th anniversary on Monday. They met at their teaching assignment at Keizer Elementary. Following a whirlwind year after they met, students were so excited to learn that Mr. Wolf and Miss Saabye "love each other and are going to be married!" John and Dana continued teaching together until Sumpter Community School opened and John transferred. He completed his teaching career at Crossler Middle School in 2003. John remained close to his colleagues, and frequently runs in to former students who remind always him how they influenced their lives and the careers they chose. John always enjoyed helping those students who were struggling in school and encouraged them to reach for the stars ... that they CAN do it!

The absolute joy and pride John found with his two children and their families, daughter Lyndsay Wolf Itoh and her husband Toshimi, their two daughters Elizabeth "Ellie" Itoh and Ashlyn Itoh, and son J.P. Wolf and his wife Ellie Babcock Wolf. His love of family was the strongest bond in John's life. Seeing Lyndsay and J.P. marry the love of their lives and be so very happy was his biggest joy. His granddaughters brought such joy to "Grandpa/Papa”.

John is survived by his wife Dana, daughter Lyndsay Itoh, her husband Toshimi, granddaughters Ellie and Ashlyn, son J.P. and his wife Ellie, brothers Tom (Connie) Wolf, Dave (Gigi) Wolf, and sisters Diane Guyer and Denise Wolf.

The service for John will be held, Tuesday, June 19th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salem at 10am. John's reception will follow. Please join us as we bid farewell to our beloved John as he makes his greatest journey to Heaven.