Wolfgang Ekkehard Monthofer

Wolfgang Ekkehard Monthofer (July 7, 1939 - May 18, 2025)

It is with profoundly heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearest Wolfgang Ekkehard Monthofer, who breathed his last breath on this earth during his sleep on the evening of May 18, 2025 at home in Paradise Valley, AZ. Wolfgang’s final weeks were spent surrounded by family and loved ones who cherished every moment with him. We are grateful for the prayers of so many who loved him dearly. We will love him dearly forever.

Wolfgang was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend, and businessman who valued God and family above all else. He is survived by his devoted wife Nancy, children Suzanne, Jacqueline Werner (sp. Mark, children Jack, Matthew, Andrew), Steven (sp. Michelle, children Sarah and Megan), Michael (sp. Suzanne, children Elizabeth and Thomas), and Mark (sp. Paula, daughter Samantha).

Wolfgang was born in Germany right before the start of WWII. His father was a prisoner of war and his mother travelled the countryside alone with four children, evading military personnel and often without food for days. Eventually the family was reunited, and lived together in a small basement in the town of Binswangen/Erlenbach. They were kept alive thanks to the generosity of Americans who sent Care packages. Sown in the seam of one coat jacket was the address of a woman named “Tante Mela”, with whom they excitedly began to correspond. This angel of modest means shared the little she had to send regular Care packages, which saved their lives.

Despite the poverty of his earliest years, Wolfgang always had a profound sense of optimism and love of life. Every Christmas, he recounted the fondness of gathering around the candlelit Christmas tree, his heart full of joy and wonder, singing Stille Nacht, and full of gratitude for a small luxuries like an apple, and a bit of meat and sugar.

Wolfgang was always full of ambition and had a strong work ethic. As a young boy, he earned money picking up cow patties so he could buy a bicycle, which he loved riding between the hilly towns. His father Leo was a highly respected school principal, and his mother Gaby was a vigorous and spirited woman who raised chickens, grew vegetables, and natured her family with love. Wolfgang admired and loved them.

As a child, Wolfgang loved to read American Western novels, and dreamed of moving to America and becoming a cowboy. At 20 years old, he did just that - moved to America, began working as a dental technician, bought a horse, and explored the vast beauty of Arizona and the Southwest. He was drafted to serve in the US Army, and loved the physical training and discipline of boot camp. After suffering an injury which left him recovering in a hospital bed and physical therapy for several months, he received an honorable discharge. Soon after, he met and married the love of his life Nancy. They bought a small house and started their family.

Wolfgang launched a dental laboratory business, and quickly established a reputation for excellence amongst dentists, handling the most complex cases. Thousands of patients were given the gift of healthy and beautiful smiles thanks to his hard work, skill, artistry, and attention to detail.

God and family were the core of Wolfgang’s life. As a devout Catholic, he had a profound joy and love of God’s goodness, despite evil and suffering in the world. He loved and nurtured his family, providing for their material and spiritual needs, while teaching them strong morals and values so they would not become spoiled. He had a deep intellectual curiosity, often staying up into the early hours of the morning engaged in philosophical debate. He cultivated this in his children and grandchildren, and blessed them with the gift of excellent education.

When Wolfgang retired, he continued to pour out his creativity and passion, building a beautiful log cabin, ponds, waterfalls, patios, and flower gardens that left guests in awe. He loved all of God’s creatures - little birds, owls, fish, deer, bobcats, and his beloved dog Heidi, whom he loved with all his heart.

Wolfgang always remained grateful for the generosity which saved his life, which inspired him to be generous to others. He took a risk and hired a former convict, who grew to love and serve God and referred to Wolfgang as his mentor and guardian angel. They maintained a deep connection throughout life. He always remained frugal despite his success. He made a significant donation to help provide housing to the homeless. Wolfgang examined his conscience in prayer every Sunday, and strove to be more like Christ, filling his life with acts of charity and love.

Wolfgang was always strong and tough, yet at the same time gentle and kind. He always spoke the truth and said what was on his mind. He made people laugh, and they seemed to always grow fond of him shortly after meeting him.

His family will be forever grateful for the love he showed us, the lessons we learned from him, his incredible generosity, and the blessed gift of his life. He will be dearly missed, and will live in our hearts forever.

Please join us to honor and celebrate Wolfgang’s extraordinary life and legacy.

Visitation and Rosary:

Thursday, May 29, 5-7 pm

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Funeral Mass:

Friday, May 30, 1:30 pm

Brophy Chapel

4701 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Celebration of Life following the Funeral Mass.

Private Burial on June 2 at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Catholic Charities Arizona.