WISCONSIN POLKA: Bob Wolf / The Merry Month of May / Pfau 3-51-1 / 1951

In the newspaper announcement of his 1952 wedding to Lois Hopfensperger, it was noted that the groom, Robert A. Wolf (1928-1994), “graduated from St. Mary’s High, Menasha, and is manager of the Bob Wolf orchestra.” This Wisconsin orchestra, sometimes described as having 8 pieces, had been advertising engagements since 1948, when Bob was 20 years old. After 1950, the band was occasionally the “Musical Wolves,” and after recording this single for the Pfau label, it was “Bob Wolf and his Recording Orchestra.” (Without explanation, Bob was once advertised in 1951 as “Wisconsin’s Television King.”) The orchestra appeared to have been active between 1948 and Bob’s marriage in 1952, although it is noted to have played a wedding in Manitowoc in 1972. Bob and Lois’ wedding announcement stated that “the couple will live on the farm near Sherwood which the groom operates.” They raised a girl and three boys, living in Kiel for three decades, while Bob worked as a state meat inspector for 15 years, and was president of Wolf Realty Co. for 10 years. Bob’s 1994 obituary stated that he led the Bob Wolf Orchestra for 8 years. Lois’ 2024 obituary stated that she “supported her husband, Bob, in his various businesses,” and “enjoyed classic country music, Western movies, playing her guitar, ice cream and watching the Price is Right.”

[The Merry Month of May, Bob Wolf and his Orchestra, Pfau 3-51-1, recorded 1951, matrix E1-KB-464]
The flip side of this disk is Calumet Waltz:    • WISCONSIN POLKA: Bob Wolf / Calumet Waltz ...  
Polka Playlist:    • Polka Time