James “Wolfy” Wolfgang
James Arnold Wolfgang, affectionately known to family and friends as "Wolfy," passed away peacefully at his home in Augusta on Friday afternoon, April 25, 2025, surrounded by the loving care of his family and, for the past six months, the compassionate support of Mayo Home Hospice & his hospice nurse, Mary. He left this world just three days shy of his 63rd birthday.
Wolfy was born on April 28, 1962, the son of Arnold "Bucky" and Nancy (Herrick) Wolfgang. A lifelong resident of Augusta, Wolfy’s roots ran deep in the community. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, attended Augusta schools, and graduated from Augusta High School with the Class of 1980.
His dedication to his hometown extended into his professional life as well, proudly serving the City of Augusta for over 34 years in the maintenance department. Whether working around town or, for the past two decades, tending to the city's wastewater treatment plant, Wolfy approached his work with loyalty, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility. He cherished the camaraderie of his coworkers and made many lasting friendships throughout his career. Sadly, due to health issues, he was forced into early retirement.
On May 29, 1998, Wolfy married Denice Edwards in Eau Claire. Through this union, he became a devoted and dearly loved stepfather to Denice’s three daughters, Savannah, Jessica and Kimberly, embracing his role with open arms and a generous heart.
Wolfy had a lifelong love for the simple joys: fishing, cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers, Sunday fundays shaking dice where could be found holding his breath & snapping his fingers or going “once around the wooden block” for good luck, and last but definitely not least, sitting outside with his “neighbors”. He had a special bond with his dogs, who were never far from his side and often rode proudly alongside him in his truck.
Wolfy found comfort in watching classic television shows, particularly older black-and-white series and westerns. Favorites like The Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza, and MASH brought him moments of laughter and nostalgia during challenging times.
Wolfy will be remembered for his kindness, his steadfast devotion to family and community, his jokes & laughter (he was always ready with quick-witted, smart remarks), along with the quiet, steady way he made life better for those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and simple pleasures.
It goes without saying that Wolfy will be deeply missed by his sister Pam Schulte of Augusta; his 3 beloved daughters whom he cherished with all of his heart, Savannah (Dusty) Bergman and Jessica Vesely all of Augusta; Kimberly Vesely of Eau Claire; 6 grandchildren, Case, Brekken, and Bryar Bergman, Sophia Kaufman, Daisy Rygiel and Prince Smith; the girls’ mother & his cherished friend Denice Edwards of Augusta; nieces & nephew, Kayla Geisdorf, Sarah Geisdorf and Trevor (Autumn) Schulte; and great-nieces & nephews, Jayden, Harper, Lorelei, Paisley and Paxton; father in law, LaMoine Behlke; sister in laws, Sheila (Jerome) LePage, Leann (Mitch) Balliett, Debbie Hagen; brother in law, Rodney Street (Staci Edwards); aunts, Donna Herrick and Laura Herrick both of Augusta; uncle Pete Herrick of Eau Claire; many cousins; a host of friends, especially Bill Hacker of Frederick, good neighbors Joe and Lori Kutchera; Augusta city crew both past and present; and his loyal canine buddy Dudley.
He was preceded in death by his father Bucky on Feb. 15, 2022, and his mother Nancy on April 1, 2022; special uncle & aunt and cousin, Wayne, Lois and Dave Linder; grandparents, Dudley and Grace Herrick, Otto and Lillian Wolfgang, Dorothy Peterson; mother in law, Donna Behlke; father in laws, Donald Edwards & Ollie Street; sister in laws, Marilyn Noggle, Cindy Edwards (Bertrang); brother in law, Jerry Edwards, along with other numerous treasured relatives, and beloved canine companions, Ruff, Ollie and Max.
Wolfy planned his final wishes, and he would like everyone to remember him by celebrating his life with a party at Mike’s Buckhorn Bar in Augusta on Saturday May 10th, 2025, from 1:00pm to 6:00 pm, with his infamous toast “One More and I Gotta Go…”.
The family is assisted by Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com