David L. Wolf, 81

David L. Wolf of Woodstock, IL passed away in his home surrounded by his family, on Sunday, July 5th, 2026, at the age of 81.

Dave was born in Woodstock to Harold and Lucille (Bernhardt) Wolf on January 30th, 1945. In his early years, Dave was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday School, a graduate of Woodstock Community High School Class of 1963, a member of the Emanuel Chapter of the Order of DeMolay, and played in the Woodstock City Band. Dave attended Barber College in Chicago and became a Master Barber. In February of 1972, Dave joined the First United Methodist Church in Woodstock.

Dave served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. He was stationed in Hanau, Germany as a helicopter mechanic, repairing Huey, Bell, and Schnook helicopters. He attained the rank of Army Specialist 5 with the 42nd Transportation Company. While in Basic training Dave met another David Wolf, it just so happens he was from Marengo, IL. They spent their entire military service together. They remained friends their whole lives and served as each other’s best man at their weddings.

Dave married the love of his life, Gail Porter, on June 13th, 1970 at the First United Methodist Church in Woodstock. Dave and Gail made their first home in Crystal Lake where Dave worked at Joe’s Barber Shop. While living there, in October of 1971 their first son Scott was born, and 1 week later Dave bought Zick’s Barber Shop on Dean Street in Woodstock He and his young family moved back to Woodstock, where Dave owned and operated Dave’s Barber Shop for over 25 years. During this time 2 more children were born, another son Terry and a daughter Mindy. Dave closed the barber shop in March 1997. He continued to cut hair at his home, after he started working in the Maintenance Department for the McHenry County Government Center. Upon retiring from the County in March 2010, he returned to Joe’s Barber Shop in Crystal Lake, working for another 11 years. In September 2025, Dave gave his last haircut to our son, Scott.

When their sons, Scott and Terry, were in Boy Scout Troop 153, Dave was Outings and Committee Chairman, and Gail was Treasurer. Dave was very proud that his sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Another proud moment for him was seeing his daughter, Mindy earn her Nursing Degree. Dave loved spending time with his family, be it watching their kids or grandchildren in sports, at concerts, or playing games with them at home, Family and friends were very important to Dave. He was always there to lend a hand, whether it be assisting with moving, repairing things, or just helping in any way possible.

Hobbies that Dave and Gail enjoyed were bowling, volleyball, listening to music, playing card and board games, and traveling the United States. Two of their favorite trips included: Cruising Route 66 all the way to the Santa Monica Pier in their Corvette. The other was an Alaskan cruise tour celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary by riding and mushing a dog sled on a glacier and going whitewater rafting, among other excursions.

Dave’s love of music started in 2nd grade when he learned how to play the drums. His passion evolved into being a part of several bands, including the Dynamics and Flashback. While in Junior High School, Dave & his brother, Jerry were a part of a band that won a contest sponsored by the Harvard Radio Station. He played for weddings, New Years Eve, and other special occasions throughout Northern Illinois. One event was performing at the City Park before the fireworks on July 4th, 1976 for the United States Bicentennial! Dave continued to play gigs until his late 40’s. His love of music stayed with him throughout the remainder of his life.

Lovingly missed, Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Wolf, of 56 years, his sons, Scott (Jenny) Wolf, Terry Wolf. and his daughter Mindy (Andy) Thompson. his grandchildren, Trevor, Karianne, Brooklyn and Tyler, his brother, Gerald Wolf, his nieces, Lori (Jeff) Olsen, Lindi (Jeff) Engedal. six great nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece, his last aunt (by marriage), Florence Wolf, and several cousins, and close friends.

He was reunited in death with his parents, Harold and Lucille Wolf, his in-laws, Robert and Norma Reese, his brother-in-law, Leigh Porter, sister-in-law, Carol Wolf, and his aunt & uncle, Carl and Marguerite Engstrom.

The family is very appreciative for the help of Terry’s girlfriend, Sheridan, who assisted the family during the end of Dave’s life. Also they want to thank the Heartland Hospice staff for their tender loving care. Dave fought a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s and Cancer.

Dave will be remembered for his dignity and kindness, generous heart, fun loving spirit, and his devotion to his family and friends. He will be missed, but will Forever Be In Our Hearts, for he has left a lasting impact on his family and all who were lucky to know him. Rest In Peace Dave.

A visitation will be held from 9 AM until the 11 AM memorial service with Pastor Young Sun Lee officiating, Saturday, July 25, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 201 West South Street, Woodstock, IL 60098. Inurnment at Oakland Cemetery, in the 700 Block of West Jackson Street, Woodstock will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, the First United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice at 6000 E. State Street, 1st Floor, Rockford, IL 61108.