William M. Wolff passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 6, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. CST on Friday, July 12th at the Church of the Ascension, 1825 S. 3rd St., Bismarck. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Bismarck. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7 p.m. with a prayer service and rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 11th, at St. Gabriel’s Community, 4580 Coleman St., Bismarck.
William “Bill” Wolff was born to Elizabeth Barth-Frenzel and Anton Wolff on a wheat farm located north of Mott in Hettinger County. Bill was the youngest of 4 boys; brothers were Frank, Otto, and John (all of which are deceased). Bill spent his childhood on his family’s homestead farm and moved to Dickinson when he was 17 years old where he finished his high school degree at Dickinson High School. Shortly after his high school graduation, Bill met the love of his life Elizabeth Jean Goroski and the enamored couple moved to Washington D.C. where Bill started working for the FBI. Bill and Jean were married on October 16, 1954 in Washington D.C. and they remained in D.C. for 3 years before relocating to Minneapolis where Bill attended University to pursue a degree in Business and Accounting. Afterwards, Bill, Jean and their 3 beloved children, Yvonne, Dwayne & Steve, moved back to Dickinson, where Bill opened his insurance agency. Bill owned and operated his insurance and tax business, Bill’s Insurance Agency Inc., from 1965 until 2008. While living in Dickinson, Bill & Jean loved to travel to see their family and to explore the United States. After Bill’s retirement in 2008 he sold his insurance business and Bill and Jean relocated to Bismarck, ND to be closer to their family members and friends.
Bill was active in both the Dickinson and Bismarck communities, serving on a variety of different boards and while participating as a member of the Eagles Club, Knights of Columbus, as well as the Insurance and Tax board. Bill and Jean were dedicated members of the Ascension Church congregation in Bismarck where they frequented mass and participated in luncheons and social activities. Bill loved traveling to various states, dancing the waltz with his wife Jean, and enjoying outdoor activities such as fishing and strolling around Bismarck regardless of the season. Bill enjoyed many social pursuits such as having coffee with his buddies, playing pinochle and spending time with his family. Bill was a one of a kind, gentle soul who loved to laugh and brought much love and light to lives of his loved ones and friends. Bill had a robust sense of humor and could light up a room with his smile and easy-going demeanor. Grandpa was a positive pillar of strength for many people in his life, most notably his close family members and friends.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Jean Wolff; his children, Stephen (Candace) Wolff, Dwayne (Julie) Wolff and Yvonne (Bob) Keniston; his grandchildren, Jessie Sickler (Trent), Chansy Wolff, Cassidy (Noah) Zeiser, Erika & Tanner Wolff; his great-grandchildren, Reece & Ava Sickler.
Bill’s warm-hearted, cheerful personality will greatly be missed by all.