It is hard to realize that a person in your life is changing you but as time goes by, we come realize they gave you values and spirit - how do we say thank you to Wolf for that? You say it to family left behind, to their friends and loved ones and share the spirit  he taught all of us who knew him;  this is what did for all of us and for those of us graced by his presence we owe a duty to preserve and foster that spirit in  his tradition of kindness, intellect and generosity for we all rejoin at some point in time and we must leave his challenge to make the world a better family.

Wolf asked me if I knew how to sail and I answered a qualified "yes." What I did not know was that he had captained a large schooner with a crew of 18 in the German military.  I should have known better but allowed myself to indulge a fantasy if we bought a 27' sailboat together he could teach me; I did not realize I was unteachable and learning how to tie a bowline or sheepshank was not in my genes. Nonetheless we made the purchase and moved the boat from Hartwell to Lake Keowee. It was the beginning of learning how manage false self confidence. We spent many years floating about when the wind died, how to hug the shoreline and the value of an inboard diesel; i did learn a lot from Captain Wolf but it was lessons about me and life and not how to sail. He was my mentor and great man loved by all that knew him. We miss you Wolf.

The memory of his presence on this earth brings a smile over my face and makes me pause to recall the kindly advice he always gave.

 his remarkable character remains a model for us all;  take this moment to remember  we are so much better for having known this kind and generous man

Wolf and Kathy often looked after me when I was looking for companionship. Wolf was a great teacher about life and human nature . i have many pictures of him and the girls at the lake when he would share his thoughts about Germany and the U.S. and what could make the world a better place. I am reminded of his spirit and leadership often and how he would remind me we are not supposed to have any defects or faults nor find them in others. If only we could have them back but his girls imbue the same in others paying it forward as they go. What a inspiration for all of us.

It's hard to believe Wolf has been gone for 2 years.  I still see him in my mind's eye, walking Tindal Avenue 2x a day, stopping to speak when possible.  I adored Wolf and miss him awful to this day.

Wolf this whole family of yours miss you you were one in a million.

Wolf was a friend of our German program in the Department of Languages at Clemson University for the last fifteen years. He was one of the business representatives at our very first Language and International Trade Conference.  Over the years, he made time for presentations on business culture with students in our department and in the business school.  In addition, he was a regular participant in our German Professional Conferences.
Beyond attending our events, he also sent his two daughters, Erika and Alexandra, to Clemson where each minored in German and took regular part in our club meetings and German play.
My colleagues in the German section were very fond of him and only have good things to say about him. He will be missed. We are very thankful for his support of the Department of Languages.

Salvador Oropesa
Professor
Chair of the Department of Languages
Clemson University

For what ever reason my condolence did not show up. I met Wolf while he was helping me to sell my condo in Germany and not have to fly over and some other stuff. I immediately felt his warm kind and we talked a lot about family and friends. He was the one who inspired me for a family picture because he had a Great Dane too. He will be missed and I wish the Family strong support for each other  - hang in there - be strong and we all keep him in our mind!

Kathy,
I would like to express my sincere condolences. Wolf will be missed by many. I have had the privilege to know him and meet many times
I always admired his sharp sense for his business.
respectfully
Roland and Amy Zimmer, Honorary Consul of Austria

Probably the most intelligent and kindest person I have ever known.  Rest In Pease old friend.

I had the opportunity to work with Wolf over the past 20+ years.  First in connection with Kleinewefers and later through Greenville Sister Cities and his role as Honorary Consul.  The things I remember most about our time spent together was his focus on family and sharing details about his daughters and their accomplishments, how knowledgeable he was on history and economic issues and his ability to navigate complex business issues with ease.  He was truly one of a kind and I offer my most sincere condolences to his family.  

Wolf and me became friends when he joined our small student-groop in Darmstadt, Germany.  He was a man with the power of a vulcano in our small  "Forsthaus".
At the same time he was sensitive like a candle in the wind and any time mindful how to help others.  He was one of the roots of my german company and with him on my side the tiny US-plant in Greenville became reality.  Wolf enhanced my life so much.
Thank you, Wolf !   

Kathy, Erika and Alex,

It was an honor to have known Wolf, such an incredible gentleman. His gracious hospitality to all who spent time with him was a gift to us all.  Phil was so pleased to get better acquainted and have some interesting conversations.  Though his absence will be so difficult, his presence in our world will always be remembered.

Robyn Pirovitz  

Dear Kathy, Erika and Alex,  We are heartsick at Wolf's sudden passing.  There are so many memories connected to your family:  Halloweens, Easter egg hunts among Wolf's azaleas, hikes and amazing meals at Lake Lure, Wolf's personal homemade salad dressing, always interesting conversation, the girls' sleep-overs back and forth, carpools, so much warmth and lots of laughter!  Anyone who is lucky enough to be related to you, or who loves you and feels like they're part of your family knows that Wolf's home was always a gathering place of welcome and great hospitality!  It has been a privilege to call you friends for 27 years.  We are so grateful for so many enriching memories of Wolf!  Fondly, the Coggins family 

Wolf and his family had a unique and seldom seen special relationship that was carried into every aspect of life. Always looked forward to spending time with them. My parents passed within twenty days of each other in the last few months. I celebrate the time with them, as I will memories with Wolf and family.

Kathy,

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Wolf's passing.  Please know that I have many fond memories of our time working together.  I will not be able to attend his memorial service, but please accept Gail and my deepest sympathies.

Wolf taught me so things over the past  25 + years the most important of which  is how to  be a better father and  member of my community. Paramount in his life was kindness of all kinds to all people he met . He opened my horizons and showed me how  he became an international citizen  for the betterment  of his beloved Germany and  his adopted United States.  He had a brilliant intellect and keen understanding  of people and governments and never hesitated to share his knowledge with those  he could help. His service as Honorary Consul was the hallmark of  his  desire to help others .  His accomplishments were many and will be remembered  in both nations by both  peoples. Look him up and you will see what a wonderful human he was  and  a hellacious sailor, water skier, chef, father and husband. We will miss you everyday Wolf.

We first met Wolf when we came to spend time with you on Sylt. We had such a wonderful time with your family and got to know Wolf and Paul still prepares fried potatoes like Wolf first demonstrated for him! We also fondly remember our visit to Greenville and our day at the lake. Wolf was the ultimate host. We mourn your loss with you and know your memories will sustain you.  

My first memories of Wolf started in a towel at at YMCA. I had just read about the benefits of using the sauna and the only other person I ever encountered in the hot box was this quiet and gruff man with a beard. Since it was only ever the two of us in there my objective every time was to try and make this man laugh. I dont recall what was said the first time he cracked a smile but I remember the small victory I felt sweating it out with wolf. 
The first time I got to meet Kathy at her home I was elated to find out that she was married to the same bearded man from the sauna. I think we were both a little shocked to see each other in clothing for the first time and less than 120 degrees. Every tie Kathy and Wolf had us over I always enjoyed the excitement of what and where the conversation may go with Wolf. He was a wealth of knowledge regarding plants, travels, German beer, animals, politics and business. I use to be intimidated by how little I knew in the course of conversation with Wolf but was happy to learn that he didnt judge you by how much or how little you knew. Two months ago I stopped in while Kathy and Maria were out at the lake and probably spent 2-3 hours just hanging out with Wolf and Sammie and talking about anything and everything. I could tell that he was upset about his physical limitations but he would always be lifted whenever we talked about his family. He loved his girls and the life that he had lived. He accomplished so much as an entrepreneur but above all else I know he was most proud of the family that he and Kathy shared. I will always look back on that afternoon fondly we walked around the backyard and he identified every plant and tree I could quiz him on. He was a great man with a huge heart. I am happy that I was able to call him a friend.

I have been extremely fortunate to become close friends with Erika Stromberg.  A core part of my friendship with Erika were the generous number of hours, days, and evenings that she hosted me at her parents’ home. There, Kathy, Wolf, and Alex accepted me unequivocally. Over the years, many games of cards were played and cups of coffee consumed (the extent of the foul language spoken is still being contested).
The most remarkable thing that I remember from my extensive time at the Strombergs’ (even more remarkable than the trumpet-shaped desk lamp that Wolf once re-gifted to me) is that, after eating dinner together at the kitchen table, all four of them would move into the living room.  There, they would sit long into the evening, just telling stories and laughing at Zach the dog, who sat like a human on the couch with his hind legs on the floor.  No TV shows in separate rooms to run off to.  In fact, no TV was playing at all. The Strombergs just authentically enjoyed one another's conversation. I felt particularly struck that Wolf, a man who, in my eyes, had come from great places and had accomplished impressive feats in education and in work, had no other desire in the world than to enjoy the company of his family.  
What has been most difficult for us in saying goodbye to Wolf Stromberg perhaps is that he was so full of Life. He even seemed to do Life better than everyone else.  He was as an eight-foot-tall German ex-pat who was infinitely wise.  He spoke passionately and in the lowest octave about good shoes. 
But now I understand that he just had his priorities figured out.  Whether sitting at Anita’s, by the lake, or on his living room couch, Wolf had reached his own oasis, which was listening to, counseling, or playing tricks on Kathy, Erika, and Alex.

Wolf was the first person to explain to me what my German maiden name meant. From that point forward he was my expert contact for anything German-related. Wolf always put up with our yoga practices in the living room and would pull out his beautiful china set for us to enjoy a cup of tea together afterward. My husband and I will forever cherish the time we knew Wolf. We always loved learning about his travels, adventures, the resident owls, and waterskiing . The photo attached is me having a blast behind his boat with him at the helm. We will sure miss him, and we are so grateful for his presence in our lives.

OBITUARY

Wolf Dietrich Stromberg

December 21, 1950 – July 25, 2019

Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services