Elaine Grimm Wolfe (Grimm)

MADISON - Elaine (Grimm) Wolfe, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at UW Hospital surrounded by family.  She was born in Two Rivers, Wis., on Aug. 2, 1932, to Arthur and Lillian Grimm.

Elaine attended St. Luke grade school and graduated from Hamilton High School, both in Two Rivers. After graduation she was employed as a bank teller until she married her first love, Cubby Wolfe, on June 23, 1956. That same year Cubby and Elaine moved to Madison, Wis., and started their family. They would remain there for the rest of their lives raising their children, establishing long lasting friendships, and creating a home that was filled with love and warmth, that welcomed many neighbors and dear friends (both theirs and their children) throughout the years.

Elaine’s most cherished possession was her family.  She selflessly cared for her ailing mom and frequently travelled to Two Rivers to assist her parents as they aged. She was a comforting presence in the lives of her nieces and nephews not only in their time of need but also in their moments of joy and celebration.

Elaine was a woman of endless energy and generosity. She was a loving, fun, and engaged mom, grandma, and great-grandma.  Every Monday for 13 years she babysat her grandkids or any other time a sitter was needed for the grandkids and grand-dogs.  Because of this she had an extremely close relationship with all her grandchildren and then in turn her great-grandchildren. She was their biggest fan and supporter.

Family gatherings and traditions were extremely important to Elaine. Christmas didn’t have to be celebrated on Christmas, it was whenever EVERYBODY could make it! As we set up our Dickens Villages this year, we will remember mom with a smile and the traditions she held so close to her heart. She made every gathering special.  

Elaine enjoyed playing cards and games, reading, bowling, golfing, boating, sewing, vacationing with family and friends and volunteering at Queen of Peace Church and school, Edgewood, and Blackhawk Country Club. Elaine was an avid Badgers and Packers fan. A highlight of the football season was her pregame “tailgate” where she prepared her famous brats and beans.

Elaine and Cubby were blessed with wonderful friends, with whom they made great memories. We want to thank everyone who spent time with mom after dad passed away. She thoroughly enjoyed your calls, notes, visits, playing cards, lunches, and dinners. We would also like to thank the staff at both All Saints and Oak Park Place as well as her physical therapist, transport driver and hairdresser for all the care and kindness they showed to mom.

Elaine is survived by her three children, Kim (Scott) Schemmel of Dubuque, Iowa, Deb (Mike) Palm and Rob (Sue) Wolfe, both of Madison; 11 grandchildren and their spouses; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Bob (Mary) Grimm; brother-in-law, Gerry (Diane) Schmidt; and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cubby, in 2017; and sisters, Marian (Jim) Mezera and Karen Schmidt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace CATHOLIC Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, with Monsignor Larry Bakke presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace School Endowment and Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart Endowment.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761