Obituary of Sally Wolf

Sally Wolf 83 of St. Petersburg passed away January 15, 2019. Sally R. Wolf was raised in Orwell, Ohio by Sadie and Howard Ruetenik, who built an extensive vegetable farm, supplying local grocery stores with fresh produce. Sally began college studying pharmacy at UW Madison. She then transferred to U of A in Tucson when her parents moved there. Leland Wolf was raised in Dousman, Wisconsin by Larry and Lucylle Wolf, also entrepreneurs, who created Wolf Construction. Lee went off to college at U of A in Tucson, and it was there they met around a motel pool, marrying when he was 19 and she 21. Lee and Sally were married for 62 years. They had two children in Tucson before moving to Wisconsin where they had three more children. They eventually made their way to California where together they started an entrepreneurial venture out of their master bedroom. Their insurance administration company, later to become American Western Life Insurance Company, was once the 4th fastest- growing, privately held corporation in the U.S. Sally was an organized and capable leader and administrator, much loved by her employees. Lee was a bold visionary. He saw an opportunity as an insurance salesman for a plan that didn't exist and thus began the company. Sally later finished her BA in psychology when her children were grown, graduating from college the same year as one of her daughters. Lee and Sally retired in Florida. Sally spent many years raising her children and volunteering for Girl Scouts and the Catholic Diocese. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, needlepoint, mah-jongg and monkey art. She also had an amazing skill for space planning, decorating and house remodeling. Lee loved cars, particularly Jaguars, belonging to Jaguar clubs. In his younger years he ran a go-cart race track. He also enjoyed flying, taking the children up in his helicopter and later flying twin-engine planes. His life-long love of water was indulged by sailing, owning sailboats and yachts, and traveling around the waterways of the U.S. and Mexico. Lee even raced for many years in the San Francisco Bay. They both enjoyed travel, houses, and their extensive family. They are survived by 4 of their 5 children, 15 of their 16 grandchildren, and 14, soon to be 15, great grandchildren, and Lee's brother and sister. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to diabetes research in memory of Libby Wolf, or to the Ben Fund, a fund created to honor Benjamin Wolfklain that provides therapy to young adults. A memorial will be held March 16, 4 PM at Arbor House, Bacopa Bay, 5001 Bacopa Ln. S. in St. Petersburg, Florida. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Central Avenue Chapel in St. Petersburg is serving the family.