Paul Wolf

TRAVERSE CITY — Paul Raymond Wolf, 67, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 15, 2012, at home, with his beloved family surrounding his bedside. Paul was born on Thursday, July 20, 1944, to Bernard and Sadie (Cook) Wolf in Mayfield Township. He attended St. Mary's of Hannah School and Kingsley High School, then furthered his education at the University of Maryland and Northwestern Michigan College, earning his degree in criminal justice. He faithfully served for six years as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.On Saturday, May 30, 1964, he married Bridie Cooke from Ireland, and they shared 47 wonderful years together.He retired from the Department of Corrections as a Lieutenant. After a year, Paul found a retirement job as a bus driver with the TCAPS bus program, where he enjoyed the people with whom he worked. Paul loved to pheasant hunt and fish, and he really loved playing with his grandchildren. "Bunka" was adored by his grandchildren, and he often referred to them as the loves of his life. Paul also enjoyed antique car shows, was an avid reader, Stephen King was his favorite author, and he was very well versed on current affairs. He also enjoyed watching the History Channel as well as his favorite program, Jeopardy. Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Bridie; his daughters, Paula and her husband, Christopher Fox, Erin and her husband, Todd Stempin, all of Traverse City; his grandchildren, Cecilia, Nicholas, Annie and Paul; as well as his brothers, Don (Velda), Stanley (Dorie), Jack (Marge) and Brian (Joanne). Also surviving Paul are his sisters, Marie Arsenault and Deanna Miller; along with many nieces and nephews. Also left to cherish his memory is Bridie's family in Canada, Charlotte (Bob) Keith; and in Ireland, Kathleen (Gerry) Hackett and Betty (Paddy) O'Neill; brother-in-law, Billy Heaney; sister-in-law, Lyla Cooke; along with many nieces and nephews. Paul is also survived by many good friends in Traverse City and throughout the United States. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Kenneth Stachnik presiding. Visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to the Mass.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Food Pantry of St. Francis Catholic Church or the Food Pantry of the Father Fred Foundation.Please share memories and thoughts with Paul's family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.