Deo Wolff

In Loving Memory of Deo R. Wolff February 28, 1933 - June 6, 2025

Deo Wolff, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, redeemed by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on June 6, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Born to Herman and Pearl Wolff in Haxtun, Colorado, on February 28, 1933, Deo was the third of five children. He grew up on the family farm amid open skies and dusty fields, sharing countless adventures-and a good amount of youthful mischief-with his three brothers and his sister. Those early days on the farm remained vivid in his memory and dear to his heart, often recounted with laughter and warmth. He graduated from Haxtun High School in 1950 and completed his undergraduate and master's degrees in music from Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado.

During his undergraduate years, he met the love of his life, Diane, and within six months they were engaged. Theirs was a relationship built on love, loyalty, and faith in Jesus Christ. As the talented leader of his own big band in the mid-1950s, Deo's band played while Diane danced the night away, watching him on the bandstand. They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage on July 2nd, an extraordinary testament to a lifelong bond grounded in deep affection and shared faith. Their love story spans decades, continents, and generations.

Drafted into the Army in 1954, Deo was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany, where he played clarinet in the Army band. Though always humble about his time in uniform, Deo played a vital role in lifting the spirits of soldiers and their families in the aftermath of war. His gift for creating joyful moments and uplifting those around him remained a defining trait throughout his life.

Diane flew to Germany following her college graduation, and the two were married in Bremerhaven, where they lived during the first year of their marriage. During that time, they shared many adventures while traveling through Europe.

After returning to the United States, Deo and Diane lived in Greeley, Colorado, where their son David was born. The following year, they moved to California, where Deo taught high school band at Avenal and Sanger High Schools. Their daughter Cheryl was born during their time in Avenal, and Cathy arrived later, after the family relocated to Sanger. Deo eventually pursued a career in the life insurance industry with Bankers Life Nebraska. In 1968, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Deo worked in the company's training department. It was in Lincoln that their youngest daughter, Christen, was born. Following 12 years in Lincoln, the family moved to Fresno, California, where Deo continued his career with Bankers Life Nebraska. He later transitioned into the field of financial planning, where he continued helping others until his retirement in 2003.

Music remained a passion throughout Deo's life. He was instrumental in bringing performances sponsored by the Community Concerts Association to Lincoln and was

involved in promoting the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra among those who did not typically attend performances. A lover of organ music, Deo chaired two pipe organ search committees, resulting in the installation of pipe organs for churches in Lincoln and Fresno. His work directing church choirs was especially meaningful to him. Deo passed his musical talent and love of music on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving a lasting note of harmony in his family's story.

Deo's dedication to music was just one expression of his broader commitment to community. He was also an active and supportive member of East Fresno Rotary and its philanthropic mission. For a number of years, he played a central role in coordinating the gala for the Concours d'Elegance car show in Fresno, and was honored as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow as well.

Above all his accomplishments, titles, and honors, Deo will be most remembered for the impact he had on the lives of others. Known for seeing the best in people and choosing to focus on it, he brought genuine care and warmth to those around him, and people felt it. Deo's warmth was matched by a playful spirit. The twinkle in his eye and a repertoire of corny jokes and funny stories reminded people not to take life too seriously. His ability to lift spirits and bring joy to others came naturally-simply by being himself.

Deo placed his faith in Jesus Christ and relied on the one true God of the Bible. Personal Bible reading was a steady influence in his life, and he particularly enjoyed reading his chronological Bible. He gained comfort knowing he had laid a solid foundation for his children by raising them in the Christian faith and encouraging active participation in the church, and through the example of his daily life. He held a deep appreciation for God's creation. The majesty of the mountains and the quiet moments of reflection at the family cabin in Yosemite brought him peace.

Deo is survived by his loving wife, Diane; children, David Wolff, Cheryl Wuthrich (Dan), Cathy Smith-Hartwig (Fred), and Christen Diehl (Blaine); grandchildren, Matthew Wuthrich, Megan Smith, David Wolff, Amy Walker, Adam Smith, Allegra Wolff, Dylan Wolff, Mallory Smith, and Blake Diehl; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Lucero; Diane's brother and his wife, Larry and Gina Anderson; cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A celebration of Deo's life will be held on Saturday, August 16th, at 10:30 AM, at Sandia Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

If desired, donations may be made in Deo's memory to The Gideons International, Samaritan's Purse, or Sandia Presbyterian Church.

Deo lived with gratitude, served with humility, and loved with his whole heart. He will