Robert “Bob” A. Wolff, Jr., age 76 of Prior Lake, passed away unexpectedly due to an automobile accident on Sunday, April 9, 2017. A funeral will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 11AM with a visitation from 9:30-11AM all at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 16150 Arcadia Ave. SE, Prior Lake. The urnbearer will be Bob’s son, Kristopher Wolff. The Prior Lake Honor Guard will provide full military honors. Pastor Chad Gilbertson will preside.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be distributed by the family.
On December 24, 1940 in Evanston, IL, Robert and Jeanne (Brashears) Wolff celebrated the birth of their son, Robert Alfred Wolff, Jr. Being raised in a no-nonsense household, Bob learned the value of hard work and determination. From a young age, he was responsible for all the family’s yard work and garden—a task he later had his own children do.
Bob attended New Trier Township High School. Unfortunately, his graduation was delayed after breaking his leg in a ski accident. Around the same time, his family moved to St. Louis where Bob finished school. With his father’s encouragement, Bob attended Parsons College in Fairfield, IA and the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Unbeknownst to his family and contrary to his parent’s wishes, Bob enlisted in the Army in 1966. While on his way to basic training, Bob let his family know.
During his ten years in the Army, Bob worked with the Army Security Agency and eventually the electronics division. After serving as a Staff Sergeant in Vietnam, Bob settled in New Zealand where he worked for a hospitality group. Bob’s career in hotel operations and management took him across the world. He visited every continent except Antarctica. Bob helped open the first hotel at Mystic Lake and served as their first director of hotel operations.
Bob’s return to the United States from New Zealand began a new chapter in life—he was soon married and this union was blessed with two wonderful children, Kristopher and Melissa. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bob was a supportive, steadfast parent. He had the habit of encouraging his children to eat new foods, but wouldn’t reveal what it was until after they ate it. Often, Bob taught by example. Mistakes were just another opportunity to learn.
Family was the most important thing in Bob’s life. Despite the distance between family members, Bob and the children always kept in touch. While living in Georgia, the family increased in numbers when one night a dog appeared during a thunderstorm. Always caring, Bob took the dog in, named her Ginger, and she became part of the family.
Bob enjoyed life whether he was traveling, golfing, bowling, swimming, or drinking a good scotch. He was a man with a presence—bold, adventurous, and never afraid. His legacy will be carried on by his children, Kristopher (Erin Gerard) Wolff, Melissa (Andrew Davis) Wolff; grandchildren, Lillie Wolff, Gabe Wolff; sister, Liz (Jim) Weninger; niece, Ginny (David Jr.) Nyhus.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and four-legged friend, Ginger.
