He grew up on the family farm south of Sterling, graduated from Adams High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1970.
Dan married the love of his life, Kathy TeKolste, on November 21, 1969, in Firth. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in 2023. They moved to White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where Dan worked for the 3M Company. In 1971, Dan started a job at National Crane in Waverly. During his career at National Crane, he mentored young engineers and made many lasting friendships. He retired from National Crane in 2005 as Vice President of Engineering then worked for the Manitowoc Company as a staff engineer for several years. He continued to do engineering consulting work and in 2011, was awarded the ASME Safety Codes and Standards Medal for his leadership on crane standards committees.
Dan enjoyed spending time with family, woodworking, hunting, fishing, skiing, travelling, and working on the family farm. He also enjoyed attending car shows with his restored 1958 Chevrolet. Dan was a life-long learner and a faithful member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Lincoln. His family could not have asked for a better husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother, and uncle.
Dan was preceded in death by his father and mother, Norman and Arlene Wolff; sister, Gloria Wolff; brother, James Wolff; daughter-in-law, Marthe Wolff; and parents-in-law, Gerald and Evelyn TeKolste. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Danielle Wolff of Los Angeles, CA; son, Mark Wolff (Jill) and grandson, August of Atlanta, GA; brother, David Wolff (Peggy) of Columbus, NE; sister-in-law, Roxie (Ken) Timms of Firth, NE; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service: Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10:30 AM at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 1015 Lancaster Lane, Lincoln.
Visitation: Friday. March 1, 2024, 5-7 pm at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 O St., Lincoln.
Memorials to the St. Andrews Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.