Donald Eugene Wolf

   Donald Eugene Wolf, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on December 29, 2023. Don/Pop/Papa Wolf was born to Joseph and Josephine Wolf on June 13, 1936 on Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, KS. 

He graduated from St. John’s Elementary School in 1950, attended De La Salle Military Academy from 1950-52, graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1954, and earned his associate’s degree from Donnelly College in 1956. He also attended Navy Schools of Photography in Oakland and Miramar, CA. He then served in the United States Navy for two years aboard an aircraft carrier, The USS Kearsarge, CVA-33, as an aerial photographer. His ship docked in Long Beach, San Francisco, and San Diego California and then headed out for Hawaii, Japan, Guam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and other Pacific destinations. Once discharged, he worked at Randazzo and Morrison Photography and Contemporary Illustrators and then co-owned Custom Color Corporation with Nate Accardo. He then ventured out on his own and created Don Wolf Photography, Wolf Photography, and then New Vision Photography. He specialized in executive portraits, fashion, food, catalog, aerials, and large sets. In 1984, he received the Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America. He taught five semesters of photography classes at Johnson County Community College. 

   Don photographed many subjects over the years including Admiral Fitzhugh Lee, Tony Bennett, Steve Allen, Ginger Rogers, Senator Darby, Governor Bill Clinton, Mrs. Anna Zagar, Harry the Huckster, Potsy and “Big Al” of Happy Days, Mayor Jack Reardon and Mayor Joseph Reardon, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, George Brett, and Roger Maris. Some memorable assignments included the Gucci catalog, the Baja 500 race in a desert of Mexico, the Daytona 500 race, and Harry Truman’s birthday party. 

In 1993, Don visited St. Teresa’s Orphanage in Zagreb, Croatia during the war and for the next 18 years he raised over two million dollars for St. Teresa’s and St. Joseph’s Orphanages. His greatest comfort was thinking that he made some small difference in the lives of Croatian orphans via the vehicle of photography, showing the needs and presenting it to the generous people of America.

In 2013, Don published “Croatian Love Story” which documents his Croatian heritage and culture, growing up on Strawberry Hill, and his 17 visits to Croatia. 

    He was recognized with a lifetime achievement award at Bishop Ward High School in 2010 and then in 2012 he was inducted into the Donnelly College Hall of Fame.

Don was a devout Catholic and for 50 years was a very active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS where he served in various volunteer and leadership roles. He was very involved in the RCIA program with Sister Marilyn.

    He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary; his five children – Marina (Scott), Lori (Jaime), Mike (Cindy), Chris (David), and Steve (Cathy); two “bonus daughters” – Stacey and Debbie (Jeff); and 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Leroy Wolf, and was preceded in death by his parents.

  The visitation will be held on Friday, January 5 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 N 53rd St. in Kansas City, KS. The funeral mass is at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 6 at Christ the King Church followed by the burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1335 N. 41st St. in Kansas City, KS. A lunch and celebration of life will take place from 12:30 - 3:30 pm in the Christ the King Church basement. Memorial donations may be made in Don’s honor to Christ the King Catholic Church or Catholic Charities.