Gretchen M Wolf

Gretchen Margaret (Meintsma) Wolf passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024, at the age of 90. Gretchen was the epitome of kindness and grace and was thankful for her long life, full of treasured experiences.

Gretchen was born in Minneapolis and lived in Howard Lake, Minnesota throughout her childhood. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, she headed to California with a sorority sister for a teaching position. It was there she met naval officer John (Jack) Wolf, and they married in 1957. They had homes in New Jersey (twice), Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois and Ohio (twice). They spent over twenty years in Columbus, Ohio – the longest Gretchen ever lived in one place. She was a devoted docent at the Columbus Museum of Art and had a long career as a piano teacher. Gretchen and Jack traveled the world and cherished their time together. After Jack’s passing, Gretchen moved to the Chicago area to be close to family. She was a happy participant in her grandchildren’s lives and enjoyed years of family dinners, beach vacations and many a gin rummy game.

Gretchen is survived by her son, Stephen Wolf of Wildwood, New Jersey; daughter Meg (Gary) Gates of Clarendon Hills, IL and her beloved grandchildren Emily, Molly, Michael and Aidan. In addition to her parents, Richard and Harriet Meintsma, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack and her brother Richard Meintsma of Minnetonka, Minnesota. In loving memory of Gretchen, contributions in her name may be sent to Angels Grace Hospice, 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite G, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Family will have private internment at Laurel Grove Cemetery in New Jersey where she will join Jack again.

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