Martin Joel Wolf
Beloved father, educator, and lover of all things in life

MADISON - Martin “Marty” Joel Wolf passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 72. Marty was born on November 5, 1952, to Dorothy (nee Solomon) and Richard Wolf in Chicago, IL. He grew up there as the baby brother to his two sisters, Barbara and Linda. Marty graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1970. He received his undergraduate degree in 1974 from Webster College in St. Louis, where he met his future wife, Linda (Andy) Rechtman. They married March 11, 1973. Marty got his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from National-Lewis University, Chicago in 1990.

Marty loved all music, but especially the classics of Motown, and found joy in books and movies, and lively conversations about all.

Marty was gregarious and a fabulous communicator, with a gift for storytelling that could captivate a room. Conversations with Marty were nothing short of sensational - filled with humor, insight, and his signature wit. His ability to make people laugh was unmatched, and his stories, often told with perfect comedic timing, will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A passionate educator, Marty began his career as a middle school teacher in 1974 at Wood Oaks Jr. High in Northbrook, IL, before becoming an assistant principal there in 1991. He soon moved in 1993 to become a principal at Apollo Elementary in Des Plaines, IL, and in 1995, a principal at Algonquin Middle School in Des Plaines, IL, until his retirement. He was a compassionate and creative leader who firmly believed that a good education was a right, not a privilege. With countless awards and recognitions including two nominations for the Golden Apple Award, school years 1987-88 and 1988-89, and as a facilitator at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for the Art and Craft of the Principalship in 1995. Marty retired in 2007 but continued mentoring principles across the Chicago area for several years. Marty also served on the Illinois Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96 for eight years (1985 thru 1993) as an elected board member. His students and colleagues admired his innovation and genuine care for others.

While Marty valued his work as an educator, his greatest joy came from his family. He and Linda created a warm, welcoming home that many of their daughters’ friends considered a second home. Marty was known for his extensive record collection and late-night talks filled with sage advice. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Sara and Lesley, and took immense pride in their accomplishments.

In recent years, Marty and Linda moved to Madison, WI, to be closer to their grandchildren. As a grandpa - fondly called “Gaga” by his granddaughter - Marty was delightfully silly and goofy, encouraging their budding personalities and interests. He relished his role as a grandparent, embracing his time with Lucille “Luci” Bara and Charles “Charlie” Atticus.

In his retirement, Marty and Linda loved to travel, embracing new experiences and cultures with enthusiasm.

Marty is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Sara (Donn Mixon) Wolf Mixon and Lesley (Kris Glodoski Wolf) Wolf; grandchildren, Lucille Bara and Charles Atticus; sister, Linda (Robert) Pepper; brothers-in-law, Earl Sabes and Donald Rechtman; sisters-in-law, Janet (Doug Aiken) Rechtman and Marte’ (Dale Brubaker) Fallshore; nieces and nephews Jeff Sabes, Flip Sabes, Karen Schless (Sabes), Noah Pepper, and their families; and his dogs, Lani and Remy and several granddogs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorothy; and his sister, Barbara Sabes.

Marty’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched through his teaching, mentorship and unforgettable presence.

A celebration of Marty’s life will be held in the Chicago area in the spring of 2025 TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wiscares https://wiscares.wisc.edu/want-to-help/#financial in honor of Marty’s deep love of animals, especially dogs, or to any charity of your choosing.

May his memory be a blessing.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Martin Wolf

November 05, 1952 - January 08, 2025

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