Donald Wolkoff Obituary (1928 - 2009)

Donald Marvin Wolkoff Born February 14, 1928 in St. Paul, MN. Preceded in death by his parents, Harry K. Wolkoff and Eleanor Herman Wolkoff, infant brother, and brother-in-law, Ivan S. Schloff. Don was a proud member of the St. Thomas Academy class of 1945, Saint Thomas College, and attended Wharton Business School. Don excelled at and many intellectual, artistic, and athletic pursuits. Don was a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) and leading agent for decades with Northwestern National Life Insurance Company, then established his own agency, Wolkoff Wiik & Associates. He was a founding member of the Land O’Lakes Region of the Sports Car Club of America. He volunteered for the United Jewish Fund, the Temple of Aaron, and was on many Boards of Trustees including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Dance Theater, Breck School, and Mounds Park Academy. Don had myriad hobbies and interests: math and Latin, cars and auto racing, airplanes and flying, history, music, travel, tennis, skiing, gardening, the outdoors, jewelry making and sculpting, golf and needlepoint. He loved animals, especially his dogs Misty and Cinder. Later in life, Don discovered running and completed many marathons and ultra-marathons, while serving as a volunteer facilitator with the America Lung Association Running Club (ALARC). Don is survived by his wife and best friend, Patty of Hudson, WI; children, Adam Wolkoff and Dina Wolkoff; grandchildren, Vivian Wolkoff, Peter Wolkoff, Henry Birdsey, Calder Birdsey; K.T. Kelley; son-in-law, Tal Birdsey; sister-in-law, Sandra Schloff; nieces, Susan Schloff and Lizann Schloff; and cousins. Don will be remembered for his intellect, his sense of humor, timing, and wit, all of which kept us on our toes. He was a teacher and mentor to many, a beloved and loyal friend, a loving and fun husband, father, uncle and grandfather, generous with his wisdom and an open-minded outlook on life. We will miss you, and you will always be in our thoughts. Thank you for the legacy you gave to us. The family is grateful to all of Don's caregivers at Christian Community Home, and the St. Croix County Department on Aging. Funeral service TUESDAY, 11:00AM, TEMPLE OF AARON SYNAGOGUE, 616 S. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christian Community Home, St. Thomas Academy, or the Temple of Aaron. Shiva will be at 5:30 at the Wolkoff's home followed by a celebration of Don's life.