Roger Wolfe

Roger Carl Wolfe, 88, of Charles City, Iowa, died of complications due to the COVID-19 virus on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.

Roger was the first born to Carl and Lucille (Zobeck) Wolfe, Feb. 1, 1932, in Lime Springs, Iowa. Roger attended Chester High School, where he was active in basketball, journalism, and student government. He graduated valedictorian in 1951.

After high school, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy “Elaine” Doughten, in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Air Force the same year. Roger had an illustrious military career which took him and his family all across the country and overseas. He retired from the Air Force in 1974, after having achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and receiving numerous commendations and awards over the course of his enlistment.

After retirement, Roger taught ROTC at Iowa State University, and served as a city councilman in his hometown of Chester, Iowa.

Roger was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, and would take yearly fishing excursions to northern Minnesota with his sons and grandsons. Roger was an ardent collector of stamps, coins, and antiques.

Roger was a self-described “rockhound” — a community of amature geologists and collectors of gemstones, minerals, and fossil specimens. With his wife, Elaine, Roger operated a lapidary business from their home, processing raw gems and crystals into gorgeous works of art.

Roger is survived by his wife, Elaine, of Charles City; son, Bob (Martha) Wolfe of Detroit, Michigan; and daughter, Elizabeth “Bebe” (Jeff) Naatz of Cresco, Iowa. Roger is also survived by his nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

His eldest son, William “Bill” Wolfe, tragically died due to COVID-19 on December 12, 2020.