Robert Tony Wolfe, age 89, of Marco Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 22. He will be remembered with deep love and gratitude by all who knew him..
Wolfe was born in Allendale, Ill., on July 7, 1936. Tony dedicated his life to family, business, and community leadership. Alongside his father, he co-founded Wolfes’s Motor Sales in 1959. He later founded Wolfe’s Terre Haute Auto Auction in 1975, Wolfe’s Evansville Auto Auction in 1987, and Wolfe’s South Bend Auto Auction in 2003. Tony established the foundation for a family enterprise that would grow across generations and thrive under his leadership for over 67 years. Nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren continue his legacy by work in the family business, owned and operated by his three children.
Wolfe served as President of the Midwest Auto Auction Association from 1984-1985 and as President of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) in 1990-1991. In recognition of his lifelong contributions to the industry, he was awarded the NAAA Pioneer Award in 2022.
Wolfe served on the Board of Directors for Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hutsonville, Integra Bank of Evansville, and First National Bank of Bridgeport. He was a proud 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner, and member of the Royal Order of Jesters. Wolfe was a member of the First Christian Church and several country clubs.
Wolfe is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Susan (Stevens) Wolfe; their three children Cynthia Wolfe (Bill Best), Daniel (Lori) Wolfe, Jeffrey (Rhonda) Wolfe; his grandchildren, Chastity (Chad) Nisbeth, Brandon (Miranda) Kieffer, Tony (Nikki) Wolfe, Bria (Mike) Enloe, Heather (Damon) Fortune, Ashley Wolfe, Christina (Mike) Perry, and Courtney (Clifford) Hunt; his great grandchildren; Kennedy and Kaylee Nisbeth, Landon and Addyson Kieffer, Carter, Colin ,Elizabeth and Khloe Wolfe, Zoey Enloe, Catherine, Anna, and Jacqueline Fortune, Jay Michael and Jaylee Perry, and Joe, Augusta, Bernadette, and John Daniel Hunt. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert and Elizabeth (Simonds) Wolfe and grandson Cary Kieffer.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 5th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home Newburgh Chapel, 5333 Old Indiana 261, Newburgh, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 6th at 12:00 p.m. at Alexander Newburgh Chapel officiated by Pastor Bobby Pell and Pastor Matt Higgins. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, 2500 Mesker Park Drive.
