Daryl Roger Wolf

Daryl Roger Wolf, also known as “Popeye” to everyone from his hometown, died on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Edencrest Tuscany in Altoona. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 7, 2026 at Coburn Funeral Home at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at McKeever Cemetery with Military Rites. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax. Memorials may be directed to The American Legion Post #296 in Deep River, Iowa. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

Daryl was born on May 17, 1932 to George Albert Wolf and Mary Zelda Grace (Brazee) Wolf. He was born and raised in Deep River, Iowa and graduated from Deep River High School in 1950. He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. Shortly after his service time in the Army he met his future bride, Shelby Jean Kanke at a dance at Danceland in Cedar Rapids. Daryl and Shelby were united in marriage on June 30, 1956 and were married for over 65 years. Daryl loved Shelby dearly and they were best friends.

Daryl and Shelby lived in Cedar Rapids for a short time while Daryl attended Barber school. They then resided in Deep River where Daryl worked as a barber there and in Montezuma for a short time. He then started to work at Bud Baustian’s garage in Guernsey, where he learned about working on cars. He then took a job as a mechanic for the Department of Transportation in Grinnell where they lived for a while. They moved to Colfax where he worked for the DOT at the Colfax shop before finishing his 35 years with the DOT at the Newton shop.

Daryl and Shelby raised their four children in Colfax, where they lived in their house on the top of the hill on Broadway Street for 55 years. Daryl was always tinkering in the garage, which he built. With a fleet of cars, a house and four active kids, there was always something to weld, bolt or screw together. He did most of his own work around the house. He knew how to do many things but he would say he was a “master of none.” He was also a pretty good cook. He baked many a pumpkin pie and oatmeal raisin cookies and let’s not forget his rice krispy treats.

Daryl was slow to anger and easy to please. He was a kind, patient, loving man who always wore a smile. He enjoyed teasing his friends, kids, and grandkids. He had a great sense of humor. He would also drop everything to help others out. He was willingly ready to help without asking for anything in return. He loved his family immensely and his most cherished times were family gatherings. Whether it was playing cards or board games or attending his kids or grandkids school, dance or sporting events, he truly enjoyed those times. He also had a love for animals. He enjoyed square dancing with Shelby and friends. They belonged to the Tornado Twirlers square dance club. He was a member of the American Legion for 60 years. He belonged to Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona before becoming a member of the Howard Street Christian Church in Colfax.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother, Phillip Wolf, his brother, Lowell “Bing” Wolf, sister-in-law, Mary Wolf and his wife Shelby. Those left to honor his memory include his children, Dan (Darlene) Wolf, Dave (Kathy) Wolf, Craig (Cathy) Wolf and Jill (Paul) Schultz; 10 grandchildren, Michael Wolf, Dani Wolf, Makenna (Zak) Danger, Taylor Wolf, Alex Wolf, Madison Wolf, Kennedy Wolf, Carter Wolf, MacGwire Schultz and Callahan Schultz; seven great grandchildren, Iven Syrus, Fenix, Ezekiel, Isabel, Evelyn and ELi’ a brother-in-law, Charles Kanke and nieces and nephews.