Stephen James Wolf

Stephen J. Wolf, 71, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Loving husband of 37 years to Sue Ann Neitzel-Wolf. He is survived by his brother, Stuart Wolf, and sister, Miriam Wolf as well as a son, Eric Varra.

Stephen, also known as BeBop the Clown, dedicated his life to his passion for music and entertaining. He has played jazz in venues around the country since 1973, mastering instruments from saxophone to flute to guitar to piano. In 2011, he earned a Ph.D. in music therapy and shared the gift of music with disabled children in Milwaukee Public Schools. He also mentored music students and taught woodwind instruments both privately and for the school system. In addition, Stephen taught himself to craft elaborate balloon animals and other balloon sculptures and delighted children for many years at Summerfest and Bastille Days with his creations. In his spare time, he honed his skills at chess and played online matches with people around the world, usually winning.

He loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs and cats, In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from  9:30 AM – 10:30 AM with Service at 10:30 AM.