Stephen Wolff

Stephen James Wolff, born June 8,1954 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, passed away peacefully from a sudden illness on July 30, 2026. At his time of death, he was surrounded by the loving family of his sister, Mary Veronica (Wolff) Foskett, at whose home he had been recovering during his illness. He leaves behind many siblings and friends: Mary Christine (James) Foskett, Mary Therese (Christopher) Gilling, Mary Clare (William) Patch, Mark Richard (Michelle) Wolff, Mary Virginia (Thomas) McCullough, Mary Rebecca (Michael) Grey, Mary Renee Wolff, David Francis (Carmen) Wolff, Robert Joseph (Brigid) Wolff, Mary Veronica (Clifford) Foskett, Mary Suzanne (Andrew) Burns, Justin Patrick Wolff, Mary Julia (Bernard) Kearney, Mary Nell (Francisco) Sanchez. He also leaves behind a myriad of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He leaves, as well, his close friend Sharon Meier. He is pre-deceased by his mother and father, and by his sisters Mary Eloise (Rick) Jensen and Mary Simone Wolff. Steve was educated at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin with concurrent Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theology, Philosophy, and Fine Arts. He went on to Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, Ohio where he obtained a Masters of Music in Conducting, a Masters of Music in Organ Performance, and a Masters of Music in Composition. Steve loved music and he loved God. He grew up absorbing this love from his mother (also a pianist/organist) and subsequently dedicated his life to composing, practicing, teaching, performing, recording, and sharing his joy of music with others. Music was Steve’s prayer. Music was Steve’s spiritual devotion. It was his way of communicating his love for life, for others, and for the Lord. It was his vocation; his calling. He began his career as the organist and choir director at Christ the King Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio. He then moved to Milwaukee and became the organist and music director at All Saints’ Cathedral. During this tenure, he also taught piano in the Milwaukee Public School System and sang professionally in the Bell Canto Chorus. He then went on to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Milwaukee where he again served as the organist and music director. Here, he would often collaborate with other musicians and vocalists, to create music that would augment the sacredness of the worship. Throughout the years and his various church appointments, he continued to teach private lessons in piano, voice, bass, and guitar to students of all ages. Fittingly, his last calling was to Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Lake Villa, Illinois, where, as organist and music director, he had returned to his beginnings; to the school that he had attended so many years ago and to the church where his mother had preceded him as organist. Steve was at heart a gentle soul who always chose to see the good in others. His support for those around him, his love and encouragement given so freely, and his infectious laughter will stay with us long after he is gone. His spirit will continue to speak to us in the quiet moments, in the turn of a head, and in the melodic tones of a piano played somewhere far away. Visitation will be 4 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Ringa Funeral Home in Lake Villa. Additional visitation will be 10 - 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Prince of Peace Church followed by Mass, which will begin at 11 a.m. Cremation will take place privately after the services.

Stephen Wolff

June 8, 1954 - July 30, 2026

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