Francis Carl Wulf

Francis Carl Wulf

Cedar Rapids

The family of Francis Carl Wulf, 81, announces with great sadness his passing on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, surrounded by his children and his loving wife of 60 years. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus #909 Hall from 1 to 4 p.m.

Francis was born on Nov. 16, 1941, on his family’s farm in Bloomfield, Neb. With a very close family of seven children, he was the oldest born to Beatrice (Oberle) and Carl Wulf. He cherished his memories of growing up on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work that carried over to all areas of his life.

After graduating from high school, he continued his education in Kansas City, Mo., where he received his tech degree before starting his first job at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids. This began a 35-plus-year career that ran until he retired as a contract analyst in 2000. He continued his education while working at Rockwell Collins and raising five children, earning his BA from Mount Mercy University and his MBA from Nova University.

While in school in Kansas City, he crossed paths in a park with the love of his life, Susanne Christie. Sue and Fran married on June 8, 1963, and together created a large and loving family. His family was his life. Francis made it a point to be involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, attending every activity and event he could. They knew they were loved not only by his words but also by his actions.

When he wasn’t working, Fran loved to play golf, travel with Sue, and bowl. One of his proudest accomplishments was bowling not one, but two 300 games. Throughout his bowling career, he was president of the Cedar Rapids Bowling Association and coached all of his kids’ bowling teams. His children can still hear his voice telling them to “hit their mark” and “shake hands with the head pin.” One of his favorite pastimes was cruising with Sue on summer nights in his red Trans Am with the T-tops off, listening to Oldies with a couple of “travelers.”

He had a long-standing relationship with God and was very committed to his faith. He was a devoted member of St. Matthews Parish, where he often ushered. He also made the Knights of Columbus #909 a priority, serving as treasurer, attaining the Fourth Degree, and volunteering his time to run the Tootsie Roll Benefit Drive.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Carl Wulf.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife, Susanne (Sue) Wulf of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; children, Christine (Tom) Schuster of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and their children, Alyssa (Luis) Montero, Kristen (Chase) Lovett and Jackson Schuster; Jeffery (Theresa) Wulf of San Diego, Calif., and their children, Avery and Devon Wulf; Susanne (Roger) Ruden of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and their children, Ryan (Courtney) Ruden, Haley (Christian) Rogers and Pete Ruden; Scott (Amy) Wulf of Chicago, Ill.; Jayson (Amber) Wulf of Burlington, Iowa; five great-grandchildren, Jack, Hank and Skip Rogers and Lucia and Antonio Montero; four brothers, two sisters, and a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.

Please share a memory of Francis at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.