Patrick Paul Wolfe
Feb. 11, 1936-March 3, 2025
Esmond
Patrick Paul “Pat” Wolfe, 89, of Esmond, ND passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond with Fr. Bernard Pfau and Fr. Steven Wirth celebrating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by Rosary and Vigil Service Friday, March 7, 2025 at the church. Burial will take place at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Boniface Catholic Church: 108 Alta Avenue North Esmond, ND 58332 or to the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery Fund P.O. Box 206 Esmond, ND 58332.
Pat was born on February 11, 1936, at the family farm in Pierce County, ND to Katherine (Vetter) and John Wolfe Jr. of Esmond. He was the oldest of eight children and grew up working on the family farm. He attended Esmond Public School and was a graduate of the Class of 1954. He joined the National Guard and attended bootcamp in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Pat went on to attend college at Mayville State University. He was one quarter short of graduating with a Math Education Degree when he was called home to help on the family farm. Pat started dating Jane (Eberle) of Esmond while in high school and they were married on July 3, 1958. Pat and Jane moved to a farm a half mile out of Esmond where they lived and raised their three children, Gregory, David, and Julie.
Pat took great pride in farming and ranching and worked hard until he was almost 85 years old. Even as busy as he was farming and ranching, he also was very involved in the community. He served as an Esmond School Board member for many years, a youth boys’ basketball coach, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts leader, member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Harvey, Devils Lake Elks Lodge 1216 member, Esmond Café board member, Buffalo Lake Sportsman’s Club member, helped start Warehouse Grocery in Harvey, previous part owner of the Maddock Bar and a car dealership in Harvey, just to name a few. In his spare time, he loved spending time with family and friends, playing bingo, cards, bowling, dancing and even took square dancing lessons with Jane. Pat had the warmest smile, the best laugh and always had a witty comment to share. He always looked forward to shooting the breeze with friends during daily breakfast at the round table in Esmond.
If someone he cared about was in need, Pat would give them the shirt off his back. He was strong and hardworking, yet gentle, kind and full of love. To his family, he was known as the best papa ever and loved spending time with all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was babysitting, watching them play sports, participating in pageants, or going on vacation with them, he was happiest when he was with grandkids. Papa always had a little one on his lap or in his arms as often as he could. It felt like anything was possible with a husband, father and papa like him behind us all the way.
Pat is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jane (Eberle) Wolfe; his 3 children, Greg (Marilyn) Wolfe of Harvey, ND; David (Shari) Wolfe of Esmond, ND; and Julie (Brandon) Grove of Rugby, ND. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler (Kayla) Wolfe; Sabrina Wolfe, Haley (Taylor) Staples, Dakota and Aubree Wolfe; Dylan (fiancé Katie), Riley, Hudson, and Bella Grove; great-grandchildren, Kamryn Sanders, Emersyn and Ledger Wolfe; siblings, Berneice (Dan) Reierson of Minot, ND; Shirley (Rick) Brown of Gilbert, AZ; Timothy (Sandy) Wolfe of Esmond, ND; and numerous wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Jr and Katie; his father and mother-in-law, Leo and Genevieve Eberle; his grandson, Derick Wolfe, his brothers and sister in laws, Elmer and Bea Wolfe, Victor and MaryElaine Wolf; his sisters, Rosella Fredenberg, Harriet Wolfe; and two infant siblings.
Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com.
The Nelson Funeral Home of Leeds, ND is in charge of the arrangements.
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, March 8, 2025.