Frank Jean "Fritz" Wolff

Frank Jean (Fritz) Wolff was born at home in Fort Calhoun, Neb., to Louise (Bolln) and Frank Joseph Wolff on Oct. 14, 1923. His family moved to Blair in 1935 and Fritz graduated from Blair High School in 1940. Fritz enrolled as business major at the University of Nebraska where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and lettered as a player on Nebraska"s baseball team.
In November 1942, as a World War 11 progressed, Fritz left college to serve his country and joined the Army Air Corps to become an Aviation Cadet. Fritz trained on the PT-13, the AT-6 and the B-25. He earned his wings and was commissioned as a Lieutenant. Fritz earned his multi-engine, commercial and instrument rating. He was flying B25's while awaiting training for service in the Pacific Theatre when the war came to an end.
Fritz returned to Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1947 with a degree in business administration and entered the Jewelry business. He and his sister Bette opened Bette's Gifts and Jewelry which later became Wolff's Jewelry with stores in Blair, Harlan and Atlantic.
On March 12, 1950, Fritz married Wilma Elson at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Blair, Neb. They made their home and raised their family in Blair. In 1979, they moved to Atlantic, to run the Atlantic jewelry store and upon retiring in 2006, Fritz and Wilma moved back to Blair.
Fritz enjoyed dancing, playing baseball, softball, golf, and cards, and was an avid Husker fan. He was a Rotary Club member in Blair and Atlantic, a member of the Blair American Legion, on the board of directors for the Nebraska and South Dakota Jeweler's Association, and was the last original member of the Black Elk-Neihardt Park Board of Directors. Fritz loved God and was an active member of St. Mary's for 62 years.
Fritz loved people, and his greatest legacy was his love for his family and friends. Fritz is survived by his wife, Wilma, his sons and daughter-in-law, Frank (JoLynn) and Jon (Cheryl), and his daughter Retta (Ray Sheriff). He is also survived by grandsons: Matt, Jay, Steve, Jeremy, Victor, Dillon, Nolan, Patrick and granddaughter, Jennie Smoyer as well as 11 great-grandchildren and many loved cousins. Fritz was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bette Triplett.
Frank "Fritz" J. Wolff was born Oct. 14, 1923 and died May 16, 2012 in Blair, Neb.
Funeral services were May 19 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Blair, with Father John Symonds officiating.
The organist was Clare Cowing. Congregational hymns included "Jesus Christ is Risen Today," "Amazing Grace," "Rock of Ages," and "On Eagles Wings."
Pallbearers were Matt Wolff, Jay Wolff, Steve Wolff, Jeremy Wolff, Jennie Wolf-Smoyer, Victor Wolff, Dillon Wolff, Nolan Wolff and Patrick Wolff.
Honorary pallbearers were Pat Long, Carl Lorenzen, Gene Megrue, Jason Cloudt, Dean Ogle and Richard Hineline.
Military graveside services were at Blair Cemetery.