Honoring Mark “Wolfie” Wolfgang

Ride for Wolfie, 2025

The Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society (IMPS) joined upwards of 100 local riders and community members in Van Buren on Saturday, July 12, 2025, to celebrate the life of our friend Mark “Wolfie” Wolfgang. Wolfie, a former IMPS board member and beloved local tavern owner, passed away on January 28, 2025. But his spirit roared back to life during the First Annual Ride For Wolfie, held as part of Wolfie’s Time Out Tavern’s Seventh Annual Block Party. It was a heartfelt tribute to a man who meant so much to so many – a man whose impact will be lasting.

Remembering Wolfie

Mark K. Wolfgang, affectionately known as “Wolfie,” was born September 17, 1958, in Marion, Indiana. He made his home in nearby Van Buren and became a true pillar of the community. Wolfie carved out his niche as the proud owner of Wolfie’s Time Out Tavern in Van Buren – a beloved gathering spot that embodied warmth, camaraderie, and laughter. Prior to running the tavern, he exhibited the same tenacity and work ethic on the road as a truck driver for Jack Cooper Transport, a job that allowed him to connect with people all over the country.

Wolfie had a free spirit and a zest for life. He loved nothing more than hitting the open road on his Harley-Davidson or unwinding on the golf course in his downtime. He had a playful side too – he was known to go to great lengths to make children smile, even carrying pockets full of candy as “bribes” for the little ones. Behind the jokes and laughter was a huge heart. Wolfie frequently hosted charity events at the tavern, with “Help The Hopeful” (a local children’s charity) holding a special place in his heart.

“Mark always had a smile and a joke ready to make the moment a little lighter. He was also professional, honest, and accountable. When we worked together, I knew what I needed to do, and I knew that he would show up to take care of his part.”
– Loretta Tappan, IMPS board member and friend

Beyond his fun-loving nature, Wolfie was also a dedicated leader and community servant. He served as President of the Grant County Tavern Association and was a proud Teamster union member. He even became one of the founders of the Grant County Bar Pool Association – combining two of his favorite things: friends and friendly competition – and spent time as a crew chief with Lil’ Heathen Motorsports on the NTPA Tractor Pull circuit. Wolfie’s sense of brotherhood extended to the Freemasons as well, where he was an active member of Van Buren’s Masonic Lodge #711. In 2023, Wolfie joined the board of the Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society, lending his passion and know-how to our mission of preserving Indiana’s motorcycle history. He remained an IMPS board member until his passing, always ready to roll up his sleeves (and roll back the throttle) for any project that helped others.

“He is what you would call an all around good guy.”
– Carmen Mitchell, IMPS board member and friend

Wolfie’s family meant the world to him. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Crystal Huston, and a loving grandfather to four grandchildren. He took special pride in his grandson Brandon’s service as a United States Marine, instilling in him the same values of honor and family that Wolfie lived by.

“When dad’s dream to own a bar came true, we didn’t know that I would end up managing it for him. It was stressful for us both most days, but at the end of every benefit we hosted our hearts were full, smiles wide, and the stress melted away because helping others was our primary mission and what we enjoyed most about having a bar. Many don’t know this, but dad was as stubborn as they come. Unfortunately for him, it is one of the many traits I inherited from him. We butted heads from time to time, but ultimately, he found that I was right. So I hope that I continue to make the right choices so I can continue on with our mission of helping others.”
– Crystal Huston, daughter

The First Annual Ride for Wolfie

When Wolfie passed, Crystal knew the best way to honor her dad’s memory was to do what he loved – ride, socialize, and support community. Earlier this year, she asked if IMPS could help organize a memorial ride for Wolfie. Without hesitation, we jumped in to help. Board member Todd Armfield worked closely with Crystal to plan the event, and together we decided to combine the memorial ride with Wolfie’s Time Out Tavern’s annual summer block party. It was the perfect fit – a day of bikes, food, music, and community, all things Wolfie cherished.

So Saturday, July 12, Wolfie’s Time Out Tavern hosted the Seventh Annual Block Party with a special new addition: the First Annual Ride For Wolfie. Despite a questionable weather forecast looming, the turnout was wonderful. Starting in the morning, riders gathered at the tavern to celebrate Wolfie’s life in the most fitting way possible – by taking to the open road in a group ride through the Indiana countryside in his honor with two planned stops along the way Neon Moon and Green Olive Pub. The ride, led by Marty Fincannon, returned to Wolfie’s tavern in the afternoon to kick off a full day of festivities at the block party, including a bike show, live music (Me & My Uncles), a kids’ carnival, a car show, and a rib dinner provided by a local BBQ favorite, Adaway. Wolfie would have loved it all.

Crystal also collected a donation $378 for CASA of Grant County, whose annual sandcastle event was held on the same day at the Marion Splash House.

By the Numbers: The First Annual Ride For Wolfie drew 70 registered riders from around the region, each riding in memory of Wolfie. Seven bikes were entered in the afternoon bike show. All registration fees were handled as free-will donations – there was no set cost to participate, only the request to give what you could. And give they did: every dollar donated was put into a collection container and entrusted to Crystal and her husband Doug at day’s end, with all proceeds going to support Wolfie’s family (as Wolfie’s friends, our priority was to help take care of his own).

“Between all of the festivities for the day, we raised $1,490.00! All of which went towards the remaining balance of the funeral. We are beyond grateful for the generosity of our family, friends, and community. We are looking forward to raising money every year during this event to be donated to different charities around the community.”
– Crystal Huston, daughter

The atmosphere at the event was everything Wolfie would have wanted. Friends, family, and strangers alike swapped stories about Wolfie over cold drinks and good food.

“Bikers are generous people. It was hot but a good day.”
– Renee Cox, board member and friend

In addition to registering bikers for the memorial ride and honoring Wolfie, IMPS also introduced a lot of folks to what we’re up to this year. We handed out maps and info cards for our upcoming Cornfield Classic Challenge, which will be held alongside the Jonesboro River Rally (JRR) this year, and many riders said they’re excited to join us there too.

Carrying Wolfie’s Legacy Forward

Wolfie’s legacy lives on in the community he loved. His daughter Crystal and granddaughter Janessa have now taken the helm at Wolfie’s Time Out Tavern, and they are dedicated to keeping Wolfie’s welcoming spirit alive. Customers can expect the same friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere that Wolfie was known for – along with great food (the tavern’s deluxe pizza and even the baked potatoes come highly recommended!) and excellent service. The tavern has always been more than just a bar; it’s a community hub. Crystal, her husband Doug, and Janessa continue to host events that bring people together in that community-oriented, welcoming environment Wolfie cultivated. Whether it’s charity fundraisers, bike nights, or just neighbors gathering to laugh over a drink and a bite to eat, Wolfie’s Time Out Tavern remains a place where everyone is treated like family.

Just as the tavern will carry on Wolfie’s tradition of camaraderie, the Ride For Wolfie is poised to become an annual tradition as well. This first ride was only the beginning. IMPS is proud to commit our support each year to continue the Ride for Wolfie every summer, ensuring that Mark “Wolfie” Wolfgang’s memory is kept alive on the open road. We’ll be back next year – bigger and better – to celebrate Wolfie all over again.

“Saturday was a roller coaster of emotion for me. I was beyond happy with the turn out, seeing all of the people that showed up to honor my dad reminded me that I’m not alone in missing him dearly. He made an impact on everyone he met, so it also reminded me that I have huge shoes to fill. My family would like to thank everyone that participated in making Saturday a success. No matter what role you played, every role made a difference and is appreciated! Can’t wait to see you all again next year!”
– Crystal Huston, daughter

In every heart he touched, Wolfie will remain “a guiding light – a beacon of kindness, humor, and undying love”. His spirit truly rode alongside us yesterday, and it will continue to ride with us on every road ahead. Ride in paradise, Wolfie – we’ll keep the rubber side down for you.

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