JoAnne M. Wolf, 88, of Johannesburg, suddenly passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Michigan.
She was born December 31, 1932, in Oil City, Pennsylvania to Rev. Dwight and Wilda Montgomery, JoAnne lived her first 17 years in Pennsylvania. In 1950, after graduation, she attended Vennard College in Oskaloosa, Iowa where in May 1954, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
On June 3, 1954, she married Kenneth Pike from Caro, Michigan who was the father of her three children, Robert Pike (deceased), Susan (Richard) Sumampow of Johannesburg, Michigan, and Debra Pike of Monroe, Michigan. They parted ways in 1976. Joanne continued to work in banking as an auditor for several banks until 1997 when she retired and returned to Johannesburg, Michigan. JoAnne met her current soulmate, Eber Wolf, at the First United Methodist Church in the spring of 2002. They were married in September of 2003 and have been by each other’s side since.
JoAnne was extremely active as a volunteer in her Gaylord community. She loved volunteering at RSVP and at her church, First United Methodist. She was a daily walker at the Otsego County Sportsplex, logging close to 16,000 miles! JoAnne was always on the go visiting family and trying to never miss an event. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. Her love shined on all who were near her. Her family and friends were everything to her and kept her very busy. Her presence will be dearly missed and will leave a huge void in their lives.
JoAnne is survived by her husband, Eber; youngest brother, Donald (Kathy) Montgomery; daughter, Susan (Richard) Sumampow; grandchildren, Scot (Jen) Keskine, Alicia (Brett) McVannel, Trisha (Jay) Lindgren, and stepgrandchildren Renee (Dennis) Koscielniak, Dan (Tina) Sumampow and Rich (Tina) Sumampow; daughter, Debra Pike; grandchildren, Crystal Brooks and Kenneth Butler; stepchildren, Leora (Sal) Buzzette and their children, Curtis Girard, Geno (Jennifer) Girard, and Phillip (Samantha) Buzzette, Debra (Don) Lucas and their children Devon Lucas and Darrin Lucas; stepson, Gary Wolf’s children, Gary (Christal) Wolf Jr, Tyler (Amanda) Wolf, Somer Lawes, and her many, many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dwight and Wilda Montgomery; her three older brothers Richard (Ginny) Montgomery, John (Eunice) Montgomery, Arthur “Robert” (Ellen) Montgomery, as well as her son Robert (Sandra) Pike, and stepson Gary Wolf Sr.
A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 215 S. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735, Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, or the Otsego County Sportsplex, through Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
13 comments on “Joanne M. Wolf”
Prayers for you and your family!!!♡♡♡♡
I knew Joanne and Eber from church and the Sportsplex . Joanne was an avid walker and continued to walk even thru the pandemic. She was such an inspiration to all of us. She will be greatly missed by her walking buddies.
Very sorry for your loss Debbie. My thoughts are with you always. I am always here to talk 💗
A beautiful lady inside and out, she will be missed.
Eber, so sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. She was a lovely and sweet lady. We are praying for comfort for you and your family at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy. May God’s Blessings be with you all at this difficult time and always. Love, Matt & Kelly Hanson
Our thoughts and prayers for Joanne’s family and friends.
She was a great woman, so full of life and an inspiration to us all.
Her family was very important to her and she was so proud of them all.
She will be truly missed, but we will always remember her with a smile.
Love Steve and Teresa Erwin
She will be missed at the plex! I have not been as faithful walking since I lost my husband March of 2020 but I am trying to get back at it. I am so thankful I went Monday, we had such a nice visit over coffee. I know my hubby was waiting for her with one of his special bear hugs! She loved her family so very much. She took every opportunity to brag about each of you. I know your hearts are breaking but cherish the many memories, I know how much she did.
Eber, Sue, and Family,
Joann was a delight to have in RSVP, always cheerful and friendly. We first met Joann and Eber many years ago, while walking at the Sportsplex. We are so sorry for your loss!
Laurie Andrews – RSVP Director, Otsego Human Services Coordintor, fellow 1st UMC church member and Sportsplex walker.
Dear Eber,
We are so very sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I worked with Joanne for many years at the bank, she was a skilled auditor and a team player! Everyone loved her.
I was saddened to hear of Jo’s passing and so glad we were able to catch up while walking at the plex. Deepest sympathies to her family and also to her plex “walking buddies”. She will be missed tremendously.
It was a pleasure to experience part of Joanne’s life with her. We first met her through her banking career and then through her daughter, Sue and family. A life well-lived.
So sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. I didn’t know until today. She was a cherished friend. An amazing person. I worked with her at the bank and remained in contact through the years. I know how deeply she will be missed. Our prayers are with the family. God bless you Joanne.