Harold Woulfe
Alton | Save
Harold James “Jim” Woulfe, Jr., 92, died at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at La Bella of Alton.
He was born October 21, 1932 in Alton, the son of Harold and Josephine (Hlaston) Woulfe Sr. Jim was raised at the Catholic children’s home in Alton from 1941-1948 after his father died. He also attended St. James Trade School.
At 18 he went into the U.S. Army, and he served in the Korean War as a private first class. He was deployed to Korea to the front lines where he served two years. Jim shared many stories of cold days in Korea with 20 below zero temps which caused his hands and feet to be frostbitten his whole life.
Returning from the war, he was employed as the maintenance engineer for the Ursuline Convent in Alton for 61 years. Jim took care of all the buildings and grounds, from cutting grass with a push mower to shoveling the walks for many years before they got him a tractor and a snow thrower.
He was a kind, gentle soul who put everyone else before himself. Everyone that met him truly loved him. Jim had many loving Nieces and nephews, who adored him which always caused much joy and chaos at holidays and family celebrations.
Jim is survived by one brother, Paul Woulfe, one sister, Patricia “Patty” Woulfe Runtz, nieces and nephews, Matt Woulfe (Lisa), Virgina Woulfe-Beile (David), Mark Woulfe (Teresa), Andy Woulfe (Melissa), Mike Runtz (Jean), Pam Drew (Danny), and Cheryl Engle (Gary). Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one sister-in-law, Judy Woulfe, brothers John and Donald Woulfe, a sister Marcella Greisbaum, and a nephew Nick Runtz.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of Rosary service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey with full military honors by Alton VFW Post 1308.
Jim’s life of service truly warrants that beer and cigar he was always requesting from friends, family, and at every Doctor visit for the last few decades.
The family wishes to thank all the staff at Evergreen Supported Living for the excellent care Jim received in his final years. Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Central Province of St. Louis.
Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
Gent Funeral Home
