William “Bill” (Dad) George DeWolf passed away on September 3rd, 2017 at the age of 93. He was born on March 23rd, 1924 in Cambridge, MA to Anna May (Schreiner) and Frederic Arthur DeWolf. Dad was the second of their four children, hailing from a long line of Montana pioneers. His mother’s family was one of the first to settle in Broadwater County in 1885. His parents settled permanently in the Helena area when he was 3 years old.
Dad graduated from Helena High School in 1942. A talented athlete, he lettered all four years of high school in track, basketball and football. He played football for the Carroll College Saints. He also played in the Helena City Basketball League claiming his team beat the Harlem Globetrotters.
A World War Il Veteran, Dad joined the Navy in 1943 and served with the Amphibious Forces in the South Pacific with the 2nd Marine Division. He saw heavy combat in Abemama, the Marshall and Mariana Islands, and fought in the battle of Tarawa in the Gilberts. In 1945, he transferred to the submarine service stationed in the Atlantic and served on the USS Crevalle. When the war ended he returned to Helena and joined the Army National Guard serving from 1949 to 1957 where he was the third commander of the 3669 Ordinance Company. Eventually, Dad transferred to the US Army Reserve at Fort Harrison retiring as a major in 1976. He was very proud of his 33 years of military service.
In 1946, Dad married Betty Mae Coleman and together they had eight children. Their huge backyard and house on Choteau Street were always filled with kids (their own and other’s) and everyone was welcome at meal times. Both parents were active in school and sports activities including baseball, PTA, Scouts, and the Kessler School Carnivals. Their children have wonderful memories of family picnics and long Sunday afternoon drives on the back roads of Montana.
The DeWolf family owned and operated the Union Market from 1945 to 1989. Dad was the last of the iconic Union Market “By Golly Boys” where he set the standard for the meat cutting craft. He and his brothers, Fred and George, sister Joanie, and longtime friend, Wally Hart, ran the family business along with their parents, Mom and Pop. Many Helenans happily remember the friendly and cheerful customer service, the silly jokes and the free hotdogs. The Union Market was a darn fun place to get groceries, by golly!
During Helena’s urban renewal, the City planned to demolish the Union Market block. Dad chose to fight back. He busted down barriers and cut chains blocking Jackson Street. Eventually the legal battle went to the Montana Supreme Court and Dad won! He was proud that he was able to preserve the property. Helena still mourns the loss of the Marlow Theatre and many beautiful historic landmarks, but the Union Market block is standing today because of Dad’s tenacity and determination to save his store.
The business remained open until 1989 at which time the family sold the market and Dad retired. Working with him at the store grinding hamburger, stocking shelves and delivering groceries, his children learned that hard work leads to success.
After his marriage with Betty Mae ended, Dad fell in love with Glenna Buck and they were together 34 years. At their “ranch” they shared a wonderful life gardening, feeding the birds and horses, and giving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren rides on his four-wheeler.
The last years of Dad’s life were spent at Hunters Pointe where he made many friends and enjoyed all their activities including ice cream socials, bingo, and bowling.
The greatest gifts from Dad were his quick wit, sense of humor and positive outlook on life. Nothing ever got him down and he always helped others to live life to the fullest. He was very proud of his family and loved them with all his heart.
Surviving him are his children, David, Denise Martin (Dennis), Dawn, Daniel Coleman (Sonja Stromberg), William “Biff”, and Toby, his sister, Joan Kain, nine grandchildren, Annie DeWolf-Hibbs (Matthew Hibbs), Matt (Yuehli), Megan Stearns (Mike), Tracy, Erin Westby (Russ), Kim Martin, Chet Martin, Molly Bull (Mykel), and Danielle, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his two children, Daniel George and Stacie Ann, brothers Fred and George, Betty Mae DeWolf, Glenna Buck, Jane (Maronick) DeWolf and Marianne (George) DeWolf.
The family extends our deepest appreciation to the residents and staff at Hunters Pointe and gratitude for the excellent care provided by the doctors, nurses, and staff at the VA Hospital at Fort Harrison
A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 29th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Graveside services will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stacie Ann DeWolf Scholarship Fund at the University of Montana School of Forestry http://www.cfc.umt.edu/resources/scholarships/fcfc-scholarships/, the Montana Military Museum https://www.montanamilitarymuseum.org or the Montana Veterans Foundation http://www.mtvf.org are greatly appreciated.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday September 29, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday September 29, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros's Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday September 29, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday September 29, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros's Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Share
Merry Casteel says
Bill is going to heaven, By Golly!
Cheryl Boucher says
DeWolf family…..I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Besides being neighbors for so many years, I will always remember the great education and assistance Bill so patiently provided to my sisters and me along with our entire 4-H club in learning about meat identification at his butcher shop. He made it enjoyable and interesting. He was a nice man and he will be missed. Cheryl Hohn Boucher
Phil and Lois Ranf says
Dear DeWolf family—Bill was and will be memorialized with us as a legend! We saw him last on his birthday and he was such a treat to visit with. We have never known anyone that has been through so much and kept such a great sense of humor and wonderful attitude! He loved Union Market and had so many stories about his life he shared with us! We loved him very much. God Bless all of you.
Dudley Williams says
As good a friend as anyone could ask for.great loss. Rip Bill. Condolences to all the family.
Mary Runkel says
Thoughts and prayers to the De Wolf family – as a “bye Golly Boy ” he was such an amazing part of our Community
Milt Coty says
So Long Old Friend. It’s been a long time since Broadwater School & WWII .May the Good Lord Smile Upon You.
Tom Juhl says
Heaven just got a little friendlier, BY GOLLY, my prayers to the DeWolf family…..
Tim Bartz says
A great, humble man who did his best to help everyone around him feel good about life.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Best “butcher shop” in town. Bill was so patient with me as a young bride learning to pick cuts of meat for cooking.
Always a gentleman..I’m sure the guys had many laughs when we walked away from the counter. ????
Paddy Ferriter says
To the DeWolf family: I’m sorry Bill is gone. He has left such a spirited legacy and managed to balance both the fine art of being a gentleman AND a jokester perfectly. All my best, Paddy Ferriter
Julia Demaree says
Some of my first and best memories were getting the free hot dog and two or three pieces of penny candy at the market. Rest in peace and thank you for all the good memories and blessings you created in Helena.
Bonnie Rush Andrew says
So sorry! He was an epic helena figure! Growing up, there was never a time we left the store without s hotdog in our hand! A grand man ! Always in our ♥️ !!
John Ulberg says
From the “by Golly” days to the “Seduce” Ranch as Bill called it, I feel blessed to have known such a
soft-spoken, kind man. Stopping by to visit with Bill and Glenna was always a treat. And the laughs did
roll!
Rest well, friend.
Barbara (Sanford) Faas Creel says
Bill lived just down the street from me, I lived on Hollins and he on Peosta. When I learned to ride my bike, and in my travels around the neighborhood, I met Bill and George. He was such a handsome boy and so nice to me. Bill was my first boyfriend (at 8 or 9 years old). The grocery store was always a pleasure to be in, by golly, with lots of memories. My prayers go out to all of the family
Jim DeBoer says
It has been a lifetime since I shopped with my parents at the Union Market, memory of the treats offered over the meat counter are still strong. I’d forgotten about the “by gollys” till I read the obituary, more memories. What a treat and now a treasured memory is the Union Market and the folks that treated us so well. Later in life making deliveries to the back door of the market strengthened my affection for the store and the DeWolfs. RIP Bill, know you will be missed.
Sandy Bradford says
What a guy! And a prankster, too! He and Bill Wedgewood collaborated together. Always had fun visits with him. Rest in peace, Bill! He was one of a kind!
Tom Naegele says
For me… “The By Golly Boy’s” One of the Last of an Era has passed but NOT Forgotten. Naegele’s Printing and Office Supply was only down a few doors to the south at 121 N. Jackson Street from the Union Market. Over the years of growing up I would have the Youthful Joy of being sent down to the Union Market to pick up some food item for that evening’s dinner (Naegele or Macmillan) to take home or to Grandma & Grandpa’s. Many trips to purchase a treat of penny candy or get a bottle of Pop on a hot day. Of course, if I caught them when they were not very busy…which was few and far between, Bill, Wally,George or Fred would guide or call me to the meat counter and raz me as the Little Naegele kid. Then a hot dog was given to me and out the “Back Door” they would send me. Several times Bill took me into the BIG meat cooler to get a package that they had for the Naegele/Macmillan Family dinner or the store or family summer picnics. The Holiday Turkey or Ham always came from “The Union Market”. Thank You Freddie, Wally, George & Bill for mentoring me to be hard working, fair and treating folks the way I wanted to be treated…with respect. honor and dignity. God has Blessed the DeWolf Clan and all of Helena with Bill in our lives.
Allyn Ann Cummins says
Loved buying crab legs (5.50 lb) @ taking them to the farm in Sheridan Ct. Dad thought those By Golly boys were the best .
Bob Dannic says
I met Bill when I was the bus driver at Hunters Pointe. He always enjoyed our poutings and had a kind word and a thank you for me at the end. Proud to have known a part of Helena history right there by golly!
Judi Dahl Foutz says
Bill was a dear friend to my parents, John and Jane Dahl. We grew up with the Union Market and the free hot dogs. Bill was the one that taught my Mom how to cook our Thanksgiving turkey in a paper bag and it was always a winner. Thanks for the wonderful memories Bill. You were one of a kind and loved and respected by all who knew you. Rest in peace.
Don Guenthner says
Bill gave me my first ever job when I was in Helena H.S. in 1951. I will never ever forget the impression he made on me and the lessons he taught me about being a good employee and job dedication. Those lessons have followed me all my life. I considered the three brothers as my second Dad. Such wonderful memories I have delivering groceries for the Union Market. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again !
Penny O'Neal Takala says
Dear Family of Bill DeWolf: Although I did not know your dad personally, I do remember going to the Union Market with my dad who was Doug O’Neal. They were friends in high school. I have my dad’s high school annual and remember pictures of your dad and even some of his brothers. Anyway, sincere condolences to all of you. I miss my dad every day of my life, as I’m sure you will to.
John Moore says
Toby and family – We extend our condolences on Bill’s passing. Stories like his enrich our Helena history and help to extend the legacy of the past into the present. May he rest in peace.
John & Ann & Bridger
Frank Massman says
I worked at the Union Market for 6 years in my youth. Bill was a great boss/mentor. Kind of like a combination of Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain and Johnny Carson rolled into one. Many of his stories are still with me today.
Brenda Price says
Such great memories! We moved to Helena in 1973 and would love going to the Union Market where buying meat was always such a friendly, enjoyable and yummy experience. Bill leaves a wonderful legacy in his children and all who knew him.
Evelyn knowles says
Mr DeWolf will be missed alot. He was a good friend of our parents ( Darrell & Betty Knowles ).I remember not only getting a free hot dog but once in awhile able to talk our Dad for a bottle of pop.Thanks to Mr.DeWolf. The last few years the store was open I’d walk from work & get my lunch. Bill was always in the store greeting you with a smile & ready to assist you.I know he’ll be greeting his old Friends as he interested Gods land.My prayers are with the DeWolf families at all times. God Bless you all, Evelyn Knowles & family
Evelyn knowles says
Mr DeWolf will be missed by all of us.Bill was a good friend of our parents (Darrell & Betty Knowles) when I was little I remember getting a hot dog from him but also with Mr DeWolfs help for a bottle of pop. When I got older and walk down to his store once in awhile to get something for lunch. Bill was always there to greet me with a smile & ready to serve me and visit a little about how my job was going or how my daughter was.Bill was missed by friends when he sold the store & they never knew where him & his wife lived.Bill will be entering heaven with his smile &
with a hot dog for everyone I’m sure. Your already being missed Mr DeWolf. God Bless you all Mr DeWolfs family. / (Families) Evelyn Knowles & family
Evelyn knowles says
Mr DeWolf will be missed alot. He was a good friend of our parents ( Darrell & Betty Knowles ).I remember not only getting a free hot dog but once in awhile able to talk our Dad for a bottle of pop.Thanks to Mr.DeWolf. The last few years the store was open I’d walk from work & get my lunch. Bill was always in the store greeting you with a smile & ready to assist you.I know he’ll be greeting his old Friends as he enters Gods land.My prayers are with the DeWolf families at all times. God Bless you all, Evelyn Knowles & family
Teresa and Dan Hooper says
Biff and family, So sorry for your loss of your father. I remember him as such a nice man behind the meat counter at the Uniion Market . I became a frequent customer becauses of his kindness and those mock chicken wings! Prayers to you.
Pat McKelvey says
Bills a great guy. Can’t forget going to the market and getting something from the meat counter……and always a bone or two for our dog. The” by golly” boys were good members of our community. You can be proud.
Kevin Collins says
Bill , May you Rest In Peace, It was always a special treat to shop in the Market and see all you and the brothers!!!!
Cathy Dorle says
Sending kindness and healing thoughts for your loss to the DeWolf family. So sorry for your loss.
VICKI (Poepping) SIMMONS says
I have many memories of Bill and gang at Union Market! Never did I see a frown in that store. Everyone was always happy and they could have written a book on supreme customer service with a genuine smile! My folks owned the Canyon Creek Store and we went there lots for the excellent meat and wonderful service!
Condolences to family, but what wonderful memories you must have!
Jannine Bishop says
I am so sorry to have heard of Bill’s passing. I remember him with kind thoughts as a little kid and grown adult. He always had a smile on his face whenever I would visit the store. He always joked around and called me Little Maggie, which he knew irritated me but he always did it with a big smile. My mother Maggie Olson would also like to send her kind regards to you and your family at this sad time. My dad Norm Olson considered Bill a true friend.
Scott Duthie says
My earliest memories of my Dad bringing me into the market and getting a free hotdog from Bill are vivid in my mind as a Norman Rockwell painting… If everyone enjoyed life as much as he did, this world would be a better place… Condolences to your family… Bill was the gold standard.
ray luchi says
i was a young buck and bill hired me as a meat cutter apprentice in the 1980s at Union Market if was just a fabulous time ill never forget ever , good hard long hrs of working but alot of laughter and positive times he was a really awesome man i always respected him and he taught me things i carried thru life even tho i didnt make meat cutting a career, things i learned from the by golly boys made me a better home building and general contractor with personality RIP bill my apologies so late being in n calif i didnt know he passed until today