Dr. Burton Terry “Doc” Wolf passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida surrounded by the love of his family. The week before, Doc celebrated his 92nd birthday at his favorite restaurant along with his wife, Jane and family members.
Doc was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 25, 1933, to Dr. Henry Wolf and Rose Yeager Wolf. He was the eldest of 3 children, followed by Howie and Marcia. His parents had moved from Chicago to the small town of Elgin, Iowa where Henry was well-loved as the only physician in a 50-mile radius.
Doc attended schools in Elgin, Iowa where he excelled in sports, academics and making life-long friendships. During the first week in April every year, his father would drive Doc and his brother, Howie, to Chicago to see the Cubs play on opening day. Their father considered major league baseball games an acceptable excused absence from school. Doc was proud of being his high school team’s lead hitter his last 2 years.
Doc attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison before transferring to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he met Jane Aitken, the best thing that ever happened to him. They were married on February 20, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just last month. After graduating from college, Doc served in the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where their first daughter, Wendy, was born. The following year, their second daughter, Sharon, was born at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. They returned to Ames, Iowa the next year and welcomed their third daughter, Molly. After his honorable discharge as First Lieutenant, Doc was accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. Jane graduated from Iowa State University in 1959 with a degree in Applied Art while expecting their fourth daughter, Debby. Doc graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1961, and the family moved to Marengo, Illinois where Doc started his veterinary practice. Their fifth daughter, Katey, was born the next year. Doc and Jane raised their 5 daughters in Marengo.
Doc loved all sports and was passionate about Sports Officiating where he was a 40-year member of the Illinois High School Association. He officiated in over 70 high school football playoff games and 3 State Final Championship Games. He was also an umpire in baseball leagues. From the press box, Doc filmed many of the Marengo High School football games during the years (1966-1970) when they had a 45-game winning streak. In 2014, Doc was honored to be inducted into the Big K Officials Hall of Fame.
Doc was a founding Director of the First National Bank of Marengo, a member of Enterprise Group of McHenry County and the Lions Club. Doc played the guitar and loved music, especially Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. He was an avid bridge player. He looked forward to his morning newspaper, solving crossword puzzles and reading a library of books. Doc had a hilarious and outrageous sense of humor. He was a guy’s guy and admired John Wayne, sometimes referring to himself as the “Iron Duke”. He
loved his family and friends and was dearly loved by all those fortunate enough to have known him.
Last September, Doc and Jane hosted a memorable family reunion, ages ranging from 3 months to 92 years, in Palm Beach, Florida, bringing together their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for a celebration that spanned generations.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marcia Wolf and brother, Dr. Howie Wolf, a nephew, a son-in-law and many dear friends and relatives.
Doc is survived by his wife, Jane, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and his “5 Nice Girls”: Wendy Petitti of Atlanta, Georgia; Sharon Chewning of Woodstock, Illinois; Molly (Tom) Zwiesler of Ocala, Florida; Debby Franks of Chicago, Illinois; and, Katey (Anthony) Byrne of Atlanta, Georgia.
Also surviving are 9 Grandchildren: Emily (Greg) Brodsky, Benjamin (Anna) Chewning, Jessica Chewning (Nick Harris), Drew (Deana) Zwiesler, Nicki (Ryan) Whittum, Daniel (Lindsey) Petitti, Anthony (Kristen) Petitti, Sam Franks (Lindsey Suiter) and Henry Franks, and 10 Great-Grandchildren: Julia, Landon, Rylee, Harlow, Benjamin, Zackary, Jesse, River, David and Evan. Several nieces and nephews, many cousins and special friends that he claimed as family also survive.
A Celebration of Doc’s life will be held in his honor later this Spring.
Donations in Doc’s memory may be made to the following organizations:
Companion Animal Fund of Iowa State University
https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/clients/giving/companion-animal-fund
NOA/Bob Brown Scholarship Fund
Memo: Doc Wolf Memorial
Send to: Northern Officials Association Treasurer
c/o John Boyke
18036 W. Stockton Ct.
Gurnee, IL 60031 - 4576
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Such a life well lived. He didn’t “ miss a beat”! His family has so much to be proud of! Will sincerely be missed!
My deepest sympathies to the family of Doc. I officiated for Doc since 1974. It saddens my heart to see a great man pass. He will be missed and always will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to Doc's family whom I knew well. He and I had lots of adventures together on and off the field.
I loved my years working for him at the animal hospital. He was a wonderful man, quite a character, we were always laughing about something. My heart goes out to the family, may your memories get you through this difficult time.
I'll always remember that he called my mom Fayette. His special nickname. And Bob has so many memories of hanging out at tha animal hospital with him. So, so many great memories. Love you all!
Jane my sympathy loved Doc determination
It was my honor to assist Doc the past 3 years. His smile & humor was something I really enjoyed & of for our gin rummy games to kill time until Jane returned from “shopping with the girls.” He was always respectful & just an all around down to earth fellow. He raised an amazing family of 5 girls, that alone would send him straight to Heavens door. Rest peacefully.