Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Loving son of the late Donald and Geraldine Wolf (nee Barrett); Beloved husband of Lynn Chapman Wolf of 29 years; dearest father of Jessica and John Wolf; dear brother of Simone (Brad) Hubbard, Stephanie, Andrew (Jeff Dietz), Alexander, and Robert (Jennifer) Wolf; son-in-law of Georgia (Steve) Anderson and the late John Chapman; brother-in-law of Dawn (Joe) Kramer; our dear nephew, uncle, cousin and friend of many.
Don graduated from St. John Vianney High School. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a lifelong Mizzou fan
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Evans Scholarship, 2501 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026-8022 and/or Brain Tumor Center at Siteman, MSC 1082-444-2555, 1 Brookings Dr., St. Louis, MO 63130 and/or St. John Vianney, 1311 S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122
Service Saturday, March 22, 9:15 am from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd. to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 6303 Nottingham Ave. for an 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Friday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Met this great man when we were young. . For years we were just kids playing soccer and other sports against each other in grade school. I was lucky enough to become friends and hang out with him a lot throughout my high school years. He’s one of those guys that had no enemies because he was so likable and truly always had a smile. His nickname in the group was “Pops” and we also used to refer to him as “Don the Legend”. I thank God I got to spend time with him. Rest in peace ol’ buddy, until we meet again.
There were a ton of kids having a sleepover at Brian & Darren Krenning’s house. Some of us called Don “Pops.” After Mr. Krenning hollered at us to go to sleep, some actually tried—but, of course, some of us stayed up.
Well, Don fell asleep… but with his eyes open! I mean, literally asleep with his eyes wide open. He wasn’t messing around—his eyes were fixed in place like a statue. It was so crazy; I had no idea that was even possible! (Look it up, it’s a real thing!)
God bless you, Don. Thanks for the laughs and the memories. ❤️
Met Pops at a tailgate 15 years ago! Like everyone, instant friends! Last adventure was Kentucky, a road win! We went to Buffalo Trace for a tour, selection of the day was Colonel Taylor. Your only allowed one and Pops didn’t want his, so I asked him to buy anyway and I’d Venmo him right back. He handed me the bottle and said, don’t worry about Venmo! Who does that? Pop’s a special selection from God!
I knew Don from Mizzou/Evans Scholars… Just learned of his passing, and it’s heartbreaking… This picture captures him perfectly and brings back lots of great memories and tales. I remember his story of getting kicked out of a Cardinals game because someone that looked just like him (wearing the exact same shirt, he said) was dropping ice on people.
MIZ…….
Had the honor to occupy the office next to Don for almost 10 years. Just a rock solid family man and a great engineer and leader. Jessica and John – he kept me updated regularly on your achievements. He was so proud of you! Lynn – true story. It is alleged that many men from time to time will hope that their wives will choose to stay home rather than go to the game. By Wednesday, Don would always tell me who was going to Mizzou that weekend and he always beamed when he said you and the kids could make it! He truly loved you to the moon and back!
My favorite memories were tailgating at my RV at LSU and going to the Cotton Bowl vs. Ohio State, when we made the bright decision to be on a 7 am flight home the next day.
Goodbye for now my friend, Pops!
……..ZOU
Pops was one of the best in every way!!! His signature smile, head-lean and then “Hey Brother”. Pops, you will be missed. God bless you and your family!
Being 6 years younger than Don, I didn’t know him terribly well. However, having followed in his footsteps of caddying at Sunset Country Club, going to Vianney, and attending Mizzou on an Evans Scholarship, I always felt a certain connection with him. Then again, maybe it was his likeable personality that made quick and easy friends that lead to that feeling. Don sure extended friendship to this scrawny young 18-year old six years his junior.
My sincere condolences to Don’s loved ones. Rest in peace my friend. A Legend gone far too soon.
I worked for Don for about 10 years and occupied the office next to him on the “opposite” side of Michael W. I admired Don for his always friendly and quiet demeanor especially during times when project work became demanding. He was a true leader, led by example both at work and as a family man. I could lean on Don to make the best decisions at work and of course get the latest updates on the next Mizzou game.
My favorite memories as I reflect on our friendship was sitting together with Lynn at the Office Christmas parties and meeting up at a few Mizzou football games. We both played CYC soccer growing up in the South County area and we would talk about all the area Church’s we played against. Don was so personal and made time to listen to you.
God Bless you Don.
Worked with Don closely for many years, especially on air quality controls for coal plants. Definitely on list of top 5 favorites in the entire company! When faced with adversity, he simply “worked the problem” as an engineer. Regardless of how big of an issue, EVERYONE around him simply calmed down and joined in this more “quiet” effort. Had never really experienced that before and witnessed just how effective he was at getting to a solution. Don solving the CPS Energy baghouse issues was very instrumental in my professional development. RIP Don, the world is a lesser place without your presence.
I met Don and worked for/with him starting in 2011. Don and I would talk often about family, what our kids were doing, sports, other current topics, and even sometimes about work. I saw in Don how I was raised – to look at others as friends – not co-workers, clients, etc. I looked up the definition of true friend and it fits Don to a tee – a true friend is someone who offers unwavering support, honesty, and kindness; someone who allows you to be yourself without judgment, and holds you accountable while contributing to your growth and happiness.
One of the last events I attended with Don was a Bike MS ride. It was a great day and I think about him each year that I ride the event as I know he loved to ride.
Your memories will live on in all of us. Rest in Peace my friend.
We are so saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I have known him for years since our grade school days and really have had such a deep respect for the kind of person he was. A wonderful friend and outstanding father from all the stories he has shared over the years. What a great man who will be missed tremendously. Sending prayers especially to Lynn and the family.
Love and peace,
Rick Schmidt
I was lucky enough to have been invited to fill in on the TCO’s softball team around 15 years ago, thanks Ron. At the time I had no idea how much fun that would lead to. Then I was introduced to a special group of guys, with Pops always the ringleader. The amount of great times, laughs, and of course beers that followed are too many to count. None of the softball games with postgame trips to FBAG, Mizzou or St Louis City games/tailgates, and KY Derby trips would have ever happened without Pops.
To Lynn, Jess, and John:. I’m sorry for your loss. Don was a special man that will be forever missed. I can’t express how grateful I am to have gotten to know him and for all the great memories I have because of it.
MIZ!!!