Funeral Details

Franklin Z. Wolf

July 12, 1984 - April 26, 2026

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 1:30 PM

Memorial Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Rachel Heaps
Temple Jeremiah

Interment - Private

Shiva

Jerry and Jan Wolf residence
965 Voltz Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
847.863.7616
Get Directions
Wednesday 5PM- 8PM
Thursday 3PM- 8PM
Friday 3PM- 6PM

Parking Northbound on Grant Road
(which is North of Voltz)

Do not park in driveway

Shiva coordinators
Judy 847.951.6292 and
Melanie 847.609.6291

Memorial Contributions

American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)
8550 West Bryn Mawr Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois 60631
give.abta.org/FranklinWolf
All donations will directly support Glioblastoma brain tumor research.




OBITUARY

Franklin Wolf, age 41, died peacefully on April 26, 2026 after an almost three-year battle with glioblastoma. He will be remembered as an incredibly witty person who loved his family, friends, and the White Sox.

Franklin is survived by his wife, Tracy Lande, and their son, Julius; his parents, Jerry and Jan (nee Harris) Wolf; his sister, Rachel (Jordan) Dietrich, and their children, Sloane and Stella.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and he then graduated cum laude from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Franklin had an incredible, but too short, 17-year career as a labor and employment attorney. In 2023, Franklin became a partner at Fisher Phillips. His colleagues will remember him as an extraordinary attorney who was always up for a challenge.

In his limited spare time, Franklin enjoyed being solidly good at bar trivia, playing video games, and watching all varieties of sports with Julius. He especially loved movies – the theme of his and Tracy’s wedding – and would watch nearly anything. While he had excellent taste in cinema, it’s possible he most enjoyed watching awful movies with Tracy on their couch and drifting to sleep.

A memorial service will be held April 29, 2026, 1:30 PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie (one block north of Dempster). Interment private. To attend the funeral livestream, visit www.cjfinfo.com.

Please enjoy a Potbelly sandwich or Chipotle in Franklin’s memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), 8550 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, give.abta.org/franklinwolf. All donations will directly support Glioblastoma brain tumor research

Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals-Skokie, www.cjfinfo.com. 847.229.8822.


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Franklin Z. Wolf below and we will share them with the family.
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What a long courageous battle against a terrible foe! Seeing the unwavering love and support by family, care givers, and friends for Franklin, Tracy and Julius has been inspirational. It also speaks to the special kind of man Franklin was and that his memory will always be a cherished blessing. Sending all our love and support...

Melanie & Eli Horowitz
April 27, 2026
Jerry, Jan, Rachel, Tracy, and Julius,

Monica & I offer our deepest sympathies for the Wolf family following Franklin's brave battle with brain cancer and his passing. Without doubt Franklin's life was a blessing, as he was a good son, brother, spouse, and father. May Franklin's memory now live on in your own lives.

Don Brown
April 27, 2026
Jan, Jerry, Rachel, Jordan, Sloane, Stella and family,

May I express my sincere condolences after Franklin's long and arduous battle. Franklin and your entire family were so kind and welcoming to me at the many holiday gatherings at Jerry and Jan's that I was graciously included in during my short time in Chicago. I will remember Franklin fondly for his warmth, intelligence and wit. He will be forever remembered as a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. I am sending all my strength and support during the days and weeks to come. May his memory be a blessing.

Ashleigh Cares
April 27, 2026
Having spent time together celebrating some holidays together, I got to know Franklin’s intelligence, kind heart, his warmth and love of family. My heart goes out to his wife Tracy and his son Julius to whom he was so proud of. Also to Jan, Jerry and Rachel my sincere condolences along with all his family. “ May his memory be a blessing.”
With love,
Ani Ertel Magid

Ani Magid
April 27, 2026
To the entire Wolf family I just want to say on behalf of my family that we are so so sorry for your loss. I know that it has been a very difficult time for the family this past 3 years and particularly this last month. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time of your lives.
May Franklin’s memory be a blessing to all.
We are thinking of you all from Toronto.
With all our love. Harold, Jordan and Ashleigh

Harold Cares
April 27, 2026
Tracy, my thoughts are with you tonight. May the happy memories you hold of Franklin keep you comforted and strong in your time of grieving. Hold Julius close to your heart, dear cousin. I will be there with youto mourn a great life taken so early.

Bob Rashkow
April 27, 2026
Dear Jerry, Jan, Rachel, Jordan and family,
I was saddened to hear of Franklin’s tragic and untimely passing. I send my deepest condolences. May you all find comfort and strength in one another and in your treasured memories, and may Franklin’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him. Sending lots of love.

Jordan Cares
April 27, 2026
Jerry and family,
My deepest condolences on your tragic loss. Sending healing prayers and comfort to all during this tough time.
Sincerely,
Kris Naumann

Kris Naumann
April 28, 2026
I was shocked to hear about Franklin's passing. My sincere condolences go out to the entire family

JAY GOLDSMITH
April 28, 2026
I will always remember how nice Franklin was to me when we were growing up. He was so kind, polite, and thoughtful. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to his family.

Chloe Wormser
April 28, 2026
Our deepest condolences. Our hearts break for you.
Marla and Chuck Alexander

Marla Alexander
April 28, 2026
Our very deepest feelings and condolences to you, Jerry, and your family.. May your memories be of some consolation.

Sara/Alan Turover
April 28, 2026
Jerry/Jan/Rachel
I Am heartbroken at the news. Lori and I send our deepest condolences.

Jay and Lori Heller

Jay Heller
April 28, 2026
Jerry
Condolences to your family. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Kate

Kate Vassallo
April 28, 2026
Franklin and I met at Wash U undergrad in 2002. We lived together for three years, both in the dorms and then the Sigma Nu fraternity house while at Wash U. We continued to spend a lot of time together in both St. Louis and Chicago over the next 10 years.

Through the ups and downs of our 20s, Franklin remained a steadfast friend. When my son was little he asked me, "Daddy, what is a friend?" I immediately said, "A guy like Franklin." That answer was enough for a 5 year old at the time, but now I'm trying to explore why "Franklin" was and continues to be my answer to the question "what is a friend?"

I did an internet deep dive on friendship. Perusing essays about friendship. Even typing in to ChatGPT "what makes a good friend? Franklin easily checks all the boxes. The adjectives to describe " a good friend" all describe Franklin. He could be the subject of any essay.

One line that particularly stands out:
“A friend isn’t just someone you laugh with—it’s someone who stands beside you. Someone who sees you clearly and still chooses to stay. Someone who shows up, again and again, not because they have to, but because that’s who they are.”

The deep dive drummed up many fond memories of Franklin and how he was such a good friend to me. The White Sox, movies (both good and bad), and Potbelly sandwiches all made the list.

Franklin was a one of a kind guy. I'll remember him and his friendship forever. I'm honored that I was able to spend so much time with him and am proud that I can pass on what he taught me about being a friend to my own family and friends.

Camp Williams
April 28, 2026
I am so sad. I was Franklin's first and second grade teacher. As a little boy he was such a bright light. He was eager, fun and very wise. I am not surprised that he was a successful lawyer and loving father. He was raised by very giving and kind parents. I was involved for four years with his parents because I also had Rachel in class for two years. I'm certain that he will be so missed by all who loved and appreciated who he was.

Judy Pringle
April 28, 2026
May his memory be a blessing.

With deepest sympathy,
The Kelly Family
Minnetonka

Sara Kelly
April 28, 2026
Sending the most love to the family today. I remember beautiful holidays at The Guttwilligs’ house growing up and all of the fun times we shared. Franklin was a true bud and such a sweetheart. May his memory be a blessing. ❤️

Abbe Magid
April 29, 2026
It was an incredible honor to have worked with Franklin for years as his assistant at F&P. I enjoyed our talks about tennis and our beloved White Sox. The one topic that truly made him light up, though, was his pride and love for Julius. He was one of the kindest, most respectful people I have worked for and consider myself lucky to have known him. Wishing his family strength and comfort during this time.

Courtney Macri
April 29, 2026
Our condolences on the loss of Franklin. He was certainly a "showed-up" kind of person, a trait dearly lacking in this world. Jan, Jerry, Rachel, Jordan, Tracy and Juluis, his life will be much more than just a blessed memory, and even though Franklin's journey in our world may be completed, his light will shine for generations to come.

Zichrono livracha

Barbara and Dale. Markowitz.

Dale & Barbara Markowitz
April 29, 2026
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Jerry. May God be with you in this time of mourning.

Mike Brink
April 30, 2026