Carl William Wolfe

Carl William Wolfe, Jr. was born in Erie, PA. He passed away on Saturday, November 9 in Grand Island, NE in the presence of family. In childhood, he developed a lifetime love for nature and the outdoors, spending much time exploring, fishing, and hunting small game and deer on his grandparents’ farm near Wattsburg, PA, the shores of Lake Erie, and the surrounding rural area. After graduating from Strong Vincent High School in 1954, he pursued an education in forestry at Penn State University- Mont Alto. Carl always said his year at Mont Alto was a highlight of his life. He was a member of the ROTC rifle team and a leader in producing the school yearbook, The Sylvan. He was also a member of the Tau Phi Delta fraternity. Carl spent his college summers as a lookout on a remote fire tower at Mt. Baker National Forest in Washington state. He received his Bachelors Degree in Forest Management in 1958 and a Masters Degree in Wildlife Management in 1960. In 1960, Carl moved to Nebraska and started a family and began his career with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission which spanned 41 years. There, he served as a biologist researching ringneck pheasants, grouse, and white tail deer, and later as the coordinator for outdoor education. He was a frequent contributor to Nebraskaland magazine with both photography and narrative. Outside of work, he served on the boards of the Great Plains Trail Network and Lower Platte South Natural Resources District. In retirement, Carl dedicated himself to volunteerism and continued pursuits as a biologist, spending time researching manatees in Florida, surveying Sandhill and Whooping cranes and studying bumblebees in Nebraska. He felt a profound responsibility for the well-being of this earth, its inhabitants, and its resources, and was dedicated to educating himself and others about them. We will forever cherish his example, his many diverse talents, his kindness, thoughtfulness, sharp problem-solving skills, and his clever humor. May every good memory carry your spirit, like the wind, to a place of peace, Dad. We will miss you. Carl is the son of Carl and Mildred Wolfe (West) and is survived by four sons from his marriage to Nancy V. Wolfe (Eismann)- Jeffrey of Keno, OR; John (Sue), James (Kari), Joseph (Michelle), all of Lincoln, NE; and five grandchildren- Nolan, Clara, Ian, Elliana and Greyson; and brother-in-law Edwin R. Browning. Carl was a beloved uncle to nieces Terri Brigham (Earl), Jan Carlsen, and nephew, Steve Browning. He is fondly remembered by his friend and partner, Rae Ellen Syverson, with whom he shared many cherished years. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Alice Browning; his former spouse, Nancy V. Wolfe (Eismann); and spouse Estella M. Geis-Wolfe. At Carl’s request, no services will be held, only a private gathering of family and friends. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made on his behalf to Rowe Sanctuary, or the Wildlife Society.

Carl William Wolfe

May 2, 1936 - November 9, 2024

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Carl William Wolfe

May 2, 1936 - November 9, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support