Robert Emmett Wolff

Robert E. Wolff, age 97, of Madison Lake, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Born on June 13, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bob was the son of Clarence and Kathleen (Smith) Wolff. Bob grew up on the Wolff Family Farm near Smiths Mill. He attended All Saints Catholic School in Madison Lake and graduated from Janesville High School with the Class of 1948. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic until receiving his honorable discharge in 1954. In 1950, Bob was united in marriage to Mary Lou Gieseke. Together they were blessed with four children. Later in life, he met Alaine Hoffman, and the two shared 44 wonderful years together.

Throughout his life, Bob was known for his work ethic and strong will. He worked in road construction as a supervisor and operated his own bulldozing business. He bred and raised Thoroughbred horses at Trebor Flow Farms, racing them at Canteberry Park and other racetracks; horses remained one of his greatest passions throughout his life. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed snowmobiling, and later he and Alaine spent many years traveling together. He enjoyed gathering with family and friends, never passing up the opportunity to share a cold beverage and conversation. An active and independent man, Bob remained in his home throughout his life and never seemed to slow down. He faithfully read the newspaper every day, kept up with current events, and was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Most of all, he cherished his family and took great pride in watching it grow from his children to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake, the Elysian American Legion Post 311, where he served as chaplain for four years, and was a lifelong member of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association. He will be remembered for his determination, quiet sense of humor, and the love he shared with his family.

Bob is survived by his children, Dawn (David) Theelke-Thomas, Mark (Jan) Wolff, Perry (Val) Wolff, and Deborah (Frank) Anderson; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sheila and Maureen; sisters-in-law, Mary and Linda; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Mary Lou (Gieseke) Wolff; life partner, Alaine Hoffman; son, Steve Wolff; and brothers, LeRoy "Pete" Wolff and Wally Wolff.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Janesville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the Mass on Monday at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake. Interment will follow at St. Jarlath Catholic Cemetery in Iosco Township, Waseca County, Minnesota.

A Celebration of Bob's Life will follow the interment at the Elysian American Legion beginning at 1:30 PM.

DSOFuneral.com