Douglas Wolfe

Douglas Wolfe, age 79 of St. Peter, MN, passed away on February 20th, 2025 at his home with family and friends at his side. Douglas was born in St. Paul, MN on March 5th, 1945.

Doug’s parents, Kenneth and Irene (Lund) raised Doug and his siblings, Kendra and Richard, in St. Peter. Doug attended St. Peter Public Schools and graduated in 1963. He was a member of the National Honor Society, participated in theater and choir, and was a competitive debater. His high school classmates described him as “the heart and soul of the class of ‘63.” He remained committed to his classmates and their reunions over the years. Doug continued his education by attending Mankato State University, graduating in 1967 with a degree in English Education. He later completed his Master’s degree in English Education.

Doug began teaching 10th grade English and speech in Windom, Minnesota, and he remained there for 23 years. In 1980 he was chosen Teacher of the Year. He also was awarded the Outstanding Service to Teachers and the Association Award by the Minnesota Education Association. Upon receiving these awards, Doug stated, “Through the study of literature, students are exposed to the relationships which exist between customs, history and language of different peoples of the world. I try to present the beauty, emotion, excitement and the universality found in all literature to my students. I hope that it (the study of literature) becomes a guide to the students to help them discover themselves and the world around them.” During his teaching career, Doug touched many students' lives and he remained in contact with many of them throughout his life.

Doug ended his teaching career to return to St. Peter to care for his ailing father. He soon became the St. Peter Library Director and remained in that position for 30 years. Doug retired after 53 years of public service. Throughout his life, he delighted in spending time with his family and friends, and in recent years he especially enjoyed sharing meals with them at his favorite restaurant, The Nicollet Cafe. He also enjoyed reading, attending St. Peter High School sports events, and following MN Gophers’ sports. Doug will be remembered for his quick wit and humor, his commitment to his family and friends and how he always made time for others.

Doug is survived by his nieces and nephews; Belinda Yanta-Mork (Thomas), Carleen Swanson (Gregory), Kimberly Gleason, Jeremy and Christine Wolfe. Great nieces and nephews; Nicholas, Benjamin and Madeline Gleason, Samuel (Coral), Adam and Matthew (Alyssa) Swanson, and Meredith & Adaline Swanson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kendra and brother Richard; nephew, Kenneth Yanta, brother in-law Martin Yanta, and nephew in-law David Gleason.

Doug’s funeral will be held at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1st. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Doug’s final resting place will be at the Resurrection Cemetery in St. Peter. To view the service livestream, or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com.