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I spoke with Wolfgang’s wife Nora about him. She told me he was a proud veteran. He was in the Navy and worked as a computer programmer on a Navy ship during the Viet Nam era. He later joined the Army and did one tour in Iraq. He remained very proud of his German heritage but loved America with a passion. Being
a very spiritual man who loved the Word of God, he played a variety of Christian music. She told me that it thrilled him to play gospel music in his shows and he often had people come up to him afterwards giving him the honor of praying with them and leading them to Christ. Nora also shared that being a part of Wolfgang’s life was an adventure. Her direct quote was, “He made my life a fairy tale.” They were only together five short years, but Nora said most people thought they had been married forever. Both of them being widowed had left them lonely, but when they met and joined their lives, they became whole again. Nora stated, “Wolfgang had one brother who preceded him in death, two sons and seven grandchildren. I added two more blessings being a daughter, a son and three granddaughters.” Then to top that off Nora added eight brothers and sisters. She said Wolf was ecstatic to have this large family.” Loneliness had ended.
Another attribute that Wolf possessed was his love for children. He had a way that made them laugh and knew all kind of tunes to entertain their young minds. He was certainly a blessing to Drew Green on many occasions. Drew told me that in the past, kids from all over Cullman County would come to Oktoberfest to learn of the German heritage. He knew it was going to be a very busy week to say the least! While Drew gave the kids a tour of Colonel Cullman Museum, Wolf kept them entertained on the front porch and the lawn.
He knew all sorts of songs that kids would love and kept them occupied until it was their turn to tour. Drew said it was a lot but he felt like Wolf enjoyed it as much as the kids. Wolf was always willing to lend a helping hand and do whatever he needed to do for the community. Children are still included in some festivities for Oktoberfest this year as was the past year, but things are limited due to COVID. Hopefully things will return to normal and the kids can resume the usual celebration. Drew stated, “I don’t know how it will work without Wolfgang... He was the grease that kept everything moving.”
Wolfgang Moritz passed from this Earth on February 2, 2021. He has been and will continue to be missed by all who knew him. His music and major contribution to Oktoberfest will be remembered by anyone that had the pleasure to attend his performance. There will be many others to take the stage and make new memories, but Wolf will never be replaced.
As we gather at Depot Park this year, Wolf’s lively spirit will be with us. We will be able to look at the stage and picture him there as his melodious tunes fill the air. For a little while, our troubles will seem far away. He left such a beautiful legacy for his family, friends, and the citizens of Cullman County to treasure and share.
To Wolfgang Moritz I would like to say, “Thank you Sir for being such an admirable example of Godliness and for serving our country. Thank you also for your time and talented contribution to the citizens of Cullman. For now and forever you will remain Mr. Oktoberfest and have a very special place in our hearts.
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