Charles E. Wolfe

Charles E. Wolfe, a cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Aug. 12, 2024, in Billings, Montana. Born on March 15, 1940 in Newcastle, Wyoming, to Albert and Nellie Wolfe, Charles carried the legacy of the Germanic surname Wolfe — derived from “Wolfgang,” meaning “wolf,” “path,” or “way of life” — with pride.

Charles grew up amidst the rugged landscapes of Wyoming and Montana, where his father worked as an oil man, welder and truck driver. In Roundup, Montana, Charles began his high school years, playing basketball and football, and quickly became known for his spirited and adventurous nature. Despite often leaving school to help his father, Charles learned valuable lessons about hard work and family responsibility.

In 1958, Charles married Marjean Pavich, and started a family in Billings, Montana, where Charles established his first trucking company: Evergreen Express. Their union brought five children into the world: Gregory, Jeffrey, Robin, Marc, and Anthony. Tragedy struck early with the loss of Jeffrey in 1959, Robin in 1960, and Marjean in a car accident in 1969.

Charles found love again in 1971 with Sharon Fox, who brought a daughter, Lydia Kay, into the family. Together, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Denyse Wolfe, in 1972. The family lived in Billings before Charles sold his trucking business and turned to ranching and horse breeding, establishing Arappqua Ranch in Eden, Utah. His passion for raising horses and showing them became a family tradition that was passed down.

In the 1980s, Charles returned to the oil business in Wyoming, which led to the family moving to Eden, Utah. Later, they returned to Billings, where Charles continued his entrepreneurial spirit with various businesses, including “Mountain Pack Inc.,” “Value Meats,” and “Transport Inc.”

Charles was a devoted family man who was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He found immense joy in his growing family, including his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He retired to care for Sharon during her health crisis and furthered his education to become a paralegal. After Sharon’s passing in 2006, Charles continued to run “Transport Inc.” with unwavering dedication.

Charles was known for his open door and willingness to offer advice and support without judgment. His love for his family was evident through his work ethic, and his legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Nellie Wolfe; his brothers, David and Robert Wolfe; his wives, Marjean (Pavich) and Sharon (Fox) Wolfe; and his children, Jeffrey, Robin and Gregory Wolfe. He is survived by his children, Marc (Angela) Wolfe of Denison, Texas, Anthony (Sherry) Wolfe of Jacksonville, Florida, Lydia (Steve) Besaw of Taylor, Utah, and Denyse (Michael) Wolfe-Morgan of Bridger, Montana; his grandchildren, Matthew Wolfe, Kyan Wolfe, Taylan (Dean) Grumbach, Dylan Wolfe, Tannur (Chelsea) Oakes, Trevor Wolfe-Morgan, and Shay Wolfe-Morgan; and his great-grandchildren, Kyler Wolfe, Augustus Oakes, Sage Wolfe, and Aurelia Oakes.

Charles E. Wolfe will be profoundly missed by his family. His legacy of love, resilience and dedication will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.