Linda Rae Wolfe

Linda Rae “Wolfie” Wolfe, 70, entered into peaceful rest on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at home in Milwaukee, WI. She was born July 30, 195 in Milwaukee, WI, to Donald George Wolfe, Sr, and Eve Lynn Marie “Rae” (nee Bray) Wolfe.

Linda devoted her life to caring for others, a calling she passionately fulfilled during her career as a teacher in the Kenosha Unified School District and Sales Associate with Coldwater Creek. Her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness made a lasting impact on the countless lives she touched throughout her career, as well as on the friends and family who had the privilege to know her and have her in their lives.

She was preceded in death by Father: Donald George Wolfe Sr; Mother: Eve Lynn Marie “Rae” (nee Bray) Wolfe; Brother: Robert Allen Wolfe; and Sister-in-Law Bonnie Wolfe.

Linda is survived by her older Brother, Donald George Wolfe Jr, many cousins and friends who were very important to her, and her loving dog, Schatsie.

Linda earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After graduation, she started teaching in Waupaca, WI, and then accepted a position in the Kenosha, WI, School District as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. Her teaching career in Kenosha began at Jeffrey Elementary School, and then she moved to Lincoln Elementary, which later consolidated with another elementary school to form Brass Elementary, where she worked until retirement in 2013. She had many students over the years, whom she adored and were her family. She was especially fond of her special student Manny, whom she and others organized fundraisers to support the costs associated with the medical care needed by him.

Linda started as a part-time sales associate at Coldwater Creek- Mayfair Mall, Wauwatosa, WI, in the Fall of 2001 to fill those few spare moments in the evening and weekends when not teaching. She used the money she earned to support her passion for trips and shopping sprees. She was there until the store closed in 2014. Coworkers loved working with “Wolfie”. She had an infectious laugh that created a fun party-like atmosphere not only for her coworkers but also for the customers. She loved assisting customers with creating a look and putting together outfits for them. In recognition of her superior performance in Sales and Customer Service, she was selected to receive the store’s Annual Selling Star Award in both 2003 and 2004. In 2003, she earned the District Annual Selling Star Award, providing her with a celebratory trip to be wined & dined in Sandpoint, ID with corporate staff and winners from the other districts.

Wolfie became quite the “Caribbean Queen,” having taken about 20 windjammer trips after hearing about a cruise that her friend Jane “Juice” had taken. These were no ordinary cookie-cutter cruises, but rather working cruises where the passengers worked alongside the crew in operating the ship. She enjoyed the sun, delicious food and drinks, and all kinds of parties put on by the crew and passengers. The cruise line had multiple ships, and she found two that fit her personality. Gotta love that personality. The Captain and Crew of the Fantome ship pushed the rules, getting into trouble; it was hilarious, and she loved it. She often said What happens on the ship stays on the ship.

In her travels, she also found herself lucky enough to enjoy a vacation in Venezuela. While there, she was able to visit and go under Angel Falls, as well as climb the mountains to get up to the top of the mesas during the rainy season. She found breathtaking views and was able to sleep in a hammock up on the mountain, looking out on the world. She later described this trip as one of her happiest memories, “Just thinking what a beautiful world it was and how much people miss appreciating the quiet and views found up on top of the mountain.”

Wolfie was also an avid Packer fan. She and several other teachers she met at Lincoln Elementary became known as the Packer Babes. They would spend a long weekend partying and watching the Packers play in Green Bay. Then, they would take a side trip to Door County, where they would shop till they dropped.

Linda’s love of others did not just include the people who were a part of her life. She also had a love of animals, especially her cats and dogs. She rescued many and spent her time caring for them. Linda would also visit cousins and her “Farm Mom” in Darlington, Wisconsin area where she loved to ride horses, do chores on the farm, and be out in the country with the animals, as well as bringing her dog, Schatsie, along with her.

A Celebration of Life to remember Linda and the life she lived will be held Saturday, October 11th at 11 am at Milwaukee Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Holy Trinity Church, 1853 North 75th Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. The Celebration of Life will be immediately followed by a luncheon. Burial will be on Monday, October 13th, in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, WI.

Linda loved life and would not want a formal service of loved ones grieving for her. She would want a party celebrating a life well lived. Wolfie would also not want anyone to be sad or wearing black. Instead, she would want everyone to wear comfortable, bright, cheery, colorful outfits, or even better, wear your favorite Green Bay Packer gear in honor of her love for the Packers. The family hopes everyone will come to the Celebration of Life, bringing your photos and stories of Linda “Wolfie” to share and regale everyone else with her crazy, fun-filled life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made In Honor and Memory of Linda to: The Wisconsin Humane Society; Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control; or any organization of your choice which supports animal care.