John Richard Wolfe

In Loving Memory of

John Richard Wolfe

John Richard Wolfe was born on August 18, 1935, in Monte Vista, Colorado, to Richard “Dick” Wolfe and Iris Prentice Wolfe. He grew up alongside his brothers, Robert and Jimmie, on the family potato farm in the Sargent Consolidated School District. John graduated from Sargent High School in 1953, where he was known as “Jack” and enjoyed playing varsity basketball and running track.

On August 1, 1953, John married Evelyn F. Monter. He went on to attend junior college in Trinidad, Colorado, where he studied automotive mechanics and earned his associate degree. John and Evelyn were blessed with three sons—Richard, born in 1954; Jerry, born in 1957; and David, born in 1959. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter, Nancy, through adoption.

The family made their home in St. Francis, Kansas, where John owned and operated a Big A Auto Parts Store and machine shop from 1962 until 1982. His exceptional knowledge of automobiles and engines eventually led him into the NHRA drag racing circuit. John and his son David shared a special passion for racing, with David behind the wheel and John providing his mechanical expertise. Together, they achieved numerous championships and created many memories along the way.

In 1982, John began a new chapter in his career in the Loveland, Colorado, area. As a Colorado Certified Financial Planner, he helped many individuals and families plan for their futures through life insurance and financial investments. He worked in this field until 1997 and received multiple awards from Lutheran Brotherhood recognizing him as a top salesperson.

John was also an active participant in the Loveland Lions Club and enjoyed being involved in its many activities and opportunities to serve his community.

Never one to stay still for long, John eventually turned another passion into a business. As the owner and operator of Mopar Madness, he specialized in providing technical expertise for custom racing engines, including the legendary 426 Hemi and 440 engines. His knowledge and craftsmanship extended to building specialized rear-end differentials with blueprinted gears, axles, and brakes. His work was shipped to customers throughout the world, earning him a reputation for his remarkable automotive expertise.

In 1998, John married Alice Marie Nilson. They remained together until her death in 2024. Through their marriage, John gained three stepchildren: Vicki Ohm, Kris Wilson, and Mark Pearson.

John was blessed with a large and loving family. He had grandchildren Chad, April, Genella, Tammy, Lia, and Marcus, as well as four great-grandchildren: Trent, Lola, Natalie, and Bristol.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Iris Wolfe; his first wife, Evelyn; his second wife, Alice; his brothers, Robert and Jimmie; and his stepchild, Kris.

John often spoke about how blessed his life had been and how the Lord had always provided for him. He was a hard worker who believed in doing his best, taking care of his family, helping others, and trusting God to provide what was needed.

John’s faith was not simply something he talked about—it was something he carried with him throughout his life. He believed deeply in God’s provision and often reflected on how the Lord had taken care of him.

John had an entire lifetime of success. He was financially independent and always had friends around him. Yet he recognized that his blessings came from the Lord. As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19:

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

One of the most meaningful things about John was the way he said goodbye. Anyone who spent time with him—whether family, a friend, or a member of the Good Samaritan staff—would hear John say as they left:

“Peace of the Lord be with you!”

Those words remained with him until the very end. Even in his final moments, when he could barely speak, John continued to say, “Peace of the Lord be with you.” Without fail, those were his departing words.

John leaves behind a lifetime of family, friendships, hard work, racing, cars, adventure, laughter, and countless memories. But perhaps the greatest legacy he leaves is the faith he carried with him—a faith in a God he believed would always provide.

Peace of the Lord be with you, John.

Services

October 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

King of Glory Lutheran Church 2919 N. Wilson Avenue Loveland, Colorado