Mr. Robert R. "Bob" Wolf

Mr. Robert R. “Bob” Wolf, 86, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 2:36 a.m. Monday, November 21, 2022, at home.  

He was born August 20, 1936, in Galesburg to Harlan E. and Regina Odell (Henness) Wolf.  He married Louise Bost, October 10, 1959, in Knoxville.  She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Melissa K.Wolf (and Joshua S.Rickabaugh) of Knoxville and Mary A. (and Mark) Powers of Peoria, Illinois, five brothers, Rodney (and Amy Lou) Wolf of Washington, Illinois, Bruce (and Joyce) Wolf of Kirkwood, Illinois, Max (and Susan) Wolf of Monmouth, Illinois, Gene Wolf of Bradenton, Florida, and Jack (and Annette) Wolf of Bullhead City, Arizona, a sister, Ann (and Tom) Frieden of Parrish, Florida. Grandchildren are: William (and Jillian Bruch) Couri, Benjamin Couri, Gabriel Rickabaugh, and Michael Powers, and three great grandchildren, Zoie Powers, Quinn Powers, and Isabelle Couri.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  

Bob grew up in Haw Creek Township near his beloved Wolf Covered Bridge.  He rode his pony to nearby Lotts school with many brothers, cousins and peers.  He then attended Gilson Grade School.  Later he attended Knoxville High School where he played football, baseball, and basketball.  He was an active member of the 4-H Chapter, and F.F.A. which began his young career as a Suffolk Sheep Breeder.  He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1954.  He then attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL.  While at Knox, he was a member of the ROTC, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and played football all four years.  He graduated from Knox College in 1958.  Bob served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves for ten years and obtained the rank of Captain.  He served at Fort Benning, Georgia, Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  While in the Army Reserve he was a Real Estate and Insurance Broker in Galesburg, Illinois. He couldn’t stay away from farm life and was asked to be the farm manager by his second cousin, Jack Block, at Block Farms in Gilson. Bob Wolf was the farm manager for 44 years, until he retired in 2016.  He loved farming and would never have retired if his dementia had not overcome his abilities.  Bob was a member of The Suffolk Breeders Association, Knox County Young Republicans, Galesburg JayCees, a University of Illinois Master Gardener, and Pheasants Forever.  He was honored to be inducted into the Knox College Athletic Hall of Fame at half time, during a Knox Homecoming football game in which his grandson was playing.  Bob will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  

Bob, Louise, Melissa and Mary enjoyed and treasured hosting international students and many Knox Homecoming events throughout the years. They enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends. Bob took pride in his home, the park where he lived and his family. 

We would like to leave you with his favorite toast. “To better days and better ways through farming.” 

The family would like to thank the special care givers, Didi and Mira, and the staff of Hospice Compassus for the wonderful support they gave in a time of need.  

Cremation will be accorded.  A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Burial of Cremains will be in Gilson Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Knoxville High School FFA, Knox College 50-year Club, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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