Thomas “Tom” Mitchell Wolf, 71, of Perry and Woodward passed away on April 20, 2025, at the MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
A funeral service honoring Tom’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25 at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Perry Chapel, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Iowa.
Tom was born on Oct. 8, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Dr. Thomas and Phyllis (Mitchell) Wolf.
During his junior high years, he spent three summers at Wentworth Military Academy summer camp, a formative experience that led him to attend Wentworth for high school and junior college. He later continued his education at Graceland College and completed police training at Indian Hills Community College, earning a degree in law enforcement.
Tom began his career in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff in Keokuk County in southeast Iowa.
After marrying Lois Purviance, he relocated to Perry and joined the Perry Police Department, where he found great fulfillment as a K-9 handler. He later served in Anita and concluded his police career in Woodward, where he retired.
Even in retirement, Tom continued to serve, working as a security officer in Des Moines, including with the Hy-Vee security team. He fully retired in 2023 due to declining health.
Tom was dedicated to his community, volunteering as a firefighter and first responder for both the Perry Volunteer Fire Department and Woodward Volunteer Fire Department.
A passionate history enthusiast, he maintained an extensive personal library with a focus on Pioneer Days and both World Wars, and he loved traveling to historic sites across the country. Just ten days before his passing, Tom had returned from a trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a testament to his lifelong love of learning and exploration.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Wolf of Perry and Woodward; his sister, Kay (Dave) Bombei of Wellman, Iowa; his brother, William “Bill” Wolf; and two nieces.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Thomas and Phyllis Wolf.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation in Tom’s memory. Online condolences can be shared at www.caldwellparrish.com.
