Final Salute

With profound sadness we announce the passing of John Paul Wolf, age 75, of Pontiac, with his loving family by his side at 9:18 a.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at his residence.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, IL, with Father Dominic Garramone, OSB and Deacon Jim Wallace officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Pontiac.

Memorials in John’s memory may be made to the Veteran’s Home at 1015 Oconor Ave, La Salle, IL, 61301 or to the St. Mary’s Food Pantry at 401 E. Water Street, Pontiac, IL, 61764.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

John Paul was born on August 9, 1949, in Pontiac, IL, to George “Duke” Wolf and Eleanor (Konetski) Wolf. Survivors include his four beloved daughters: Jonja (Vinnie) Russo of Warwick, RI, Angela (Jeremy) Caldera of Eureka, IL, Cassandra McBee of Eureka, IL, Brittney (Nic) VanWaes of Lexington, IL; grandchildren: Kristen Degnan, Vin Jr. Russo, Jolena Russo, Jonathon Russo, Aryana Ruiz, Addison Caldera, Parker Caldera, Dylan VanWaes, Ava VanWaes; great grandchildren: Alessandra Russo and Kaitlyn Degnan; great-great grandchild: Saint Degnan. He is also survived by his siblings: David (Trudy) Wolf, Gregg (Sally) Wolf, Joe (Mary) Wolf, Richard (Darlene) Wolf, Mary Lou (Richard) Salvator, Betsy (John) Perring, Ellen (Craig) Spencer, Carol (Dan) Faust, Diane (Steve) Uecker, Donna (Gib) Winter. He also leaves behind numerous friends and extended family members, including his best friend: John Kelly Jones and devoted nephew: Steve Mussche.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters: Georgia Carol Wolf and Dottie Fears.

John graduated in 1967 from Pontiac Township High School. He then proudly served in the Navy Seabees. He was deployed to Midway “Gooney Bird” Island. He worked at the Pontiac Correctional Center from 1983, until his retirement in 2002.

He was a lifelong member of the local carpenter union with an unwavering passion for his carpentry, an avid supporter for the Friends of the NRA, Guns Save lives, and the Pontiac Sportsman’s Club. He was a volunteer for the St. Mary’s Food Pantry and a proud member of the Pontiac VFW 886.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, classic cars and traveling. He will be remembered most for his craftsmanship, the love he shared with those around him, and his endless stories…

He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him as Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Family and Friend.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.