Richard Wolfe

Richard J. "Dick" Wolfe Wenatchee, WA Richard J. "Dick" Wolfe, age 86, passed away on November 11, 2015, due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was born December 4, 1928, in Hebron, ND to Philip J. and Anna (Krawczyk) Wolfe and was proud of his Russian and Polish heritage. In 1942, his family moved from their homestead in North Dakota to Wenatchee, WA, where he attended school, graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1947. Dick attended Wenatchee Junior College for one year and spent a short stint in Marine Corps boot camp before returning to Wenatchee, WA. In 1949, at the age of 20, he opened Dick's Service, an automotive repair shop and gas station. His hard work and diligence led him to expand his business in 1963 and start Dick's Towing, eventually operating five tow trucks. He ran the towing business for 15 years before selling it. Dick retired after 50 years of faithfully serving the community, turning the business operations over to his sons, JR and Mike. Dick's Tire Factory, the tire portion, recently sold after 66 years of service to thousands of loyal customers. Dick married Thelma Holden in 1965, and they began raising their five children together at their Wedgewood Street residence. In 1978, Dick and Thelma purchased acres of undeveloped, rocky, hilly property south of Orondo, WA and slowly began to build their log home on the Columbia River. Only Dick could have envisioned this mountain of rocks turning into their breathtakingly beautiful "River Paradise." He planted 150 various fruit trees and supplied family and friends with delicious fruit for years. He enjoyed sharing the remainder of his crops with a multitude of people who returned every summer to pick fruit from his orchard. One of his deepest pleasures was to have his family, friends, and sometimes even strangers, visit and enjoy fun in the pool while relaxing by the gorgeous scenery at the river. The walk-in cooler was always stocked with an assortment of soda pop so the grandkids could select one for the ride home. He never sent anyone away empty-handed. Everyone went home with a box of fresh fruit or vegetables from the garden. Many handshakes held a twenty-dollar bill enclosed in the palm of his hand. Eventually, the river property became too difficult for Dick and Thelma to maintain, so they moved back to Wenatchee, causing returning summer visitors and family members to fervently miss the fruits of their labor, their generosity and friendship at the river place. Once again, Dick designed and built a lovely home, and its handicapped-accessibility allowed him to remain in his home until a higher level of care was needed. Admired by many, Dick was an honest, hardworking, generous man who quietly did countless good deeds for others. He was proud of his family and often bragged to others about them. We are going to miss his sweet smile and that twinkle in his eyes. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Thelma; his children: Patti Holden (Bill Baldwin), Richard (JR) Wolfe (Cindy), Mike Wolfe (Barb), Shirley Holden, Tammy Grater (Brian); grandchildren: Alexis Sebastian, Cohn Wolfe, Colin Wolfe, Garett Wolfe, Jaden Wolfe, Seth Murray, Gabriel Murray, Megan Grater, Molly Grater, and Carson Grater; five great grandchildren; and his brother, Raymond. He was preceded in death by his first wife, DeLoris, in 1963; his parents; and one brother, Victor. A special thank you to Sarah Wily and the caregivers at Leiah's Retreat who took such wonderful care of him. Per Dick's wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Washington Hospital Home Care and Hospice, KC Help, or a charity of your choice. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 10 a.m. Concluding services and interment will follow at The Wenatchee City Cemetery. Viewing will be Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 12-6 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Richard Wolfe

December 4, 1928 - November 11, 2015