Roberta Den Hartog Wolfe

Roberta Ann Den Hartog was born on January 26, 1944, in Ogden, Utah, to Elmer and Babe (Oordt) Den Hartog. The family’s story began in Iowa, where their roots ran deep. During World War II, the Den Hartogs temporarily relocated to Utah as Elmer contributed to the war effort by working on bombers at Hill Air Base.

After the war, the family returned to their beloved Iowa, reconnecting with their extended relatives and strengthening familial ties. It was in Iowa that Roberta welcomed the arrival of her younger sister, completing the family of four. These formative years were steeped in the values of hard work, community, and love — principles that would guide Roberta throughout her life.

In 1953, the Den Hartog family embarked on a new chapter by settling in Hawarden, Iowa. There, Elmer began a career selling auto parts, eventually owning his own business. It was here that Roberta finished her grade school and high school education. She loved school where she forged lifelong friendships. She participated in many academic clubs and concert and marching bands. During her senior year she was chosen to be part of the homecoming court.

She graduated from West Sioux High School in 1962 and went on to further her education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. There she acquired more lifelong friends, belonged to more clubs as well as being involved in theater. She graduated in 1966 with a BA degree in English. While she was at the University, she had a chance to visit Washington, DC with a friend of hers. It was love at first sight and she knew exactly where she wanted to live once her studieswere finished. After matriculating from USD, she headed to the University of Denver to begin to work on her master’s degree. However, the pull of Washington was too great, so rather that finish her master’s degree she moved to McLean where she had a friend in need of a roommate. Little did she know she also met what was to become her husband at the same time. She got a job with a California congressman. Her dream of working on The Hill was complete. Eventually her roommate got married and she moved into a large home on Upton Street with several other girls. However, her friendship with Tom Wolfe endured and she spent many evenings eating Tom’s specialty eggs mixed with rice and whatever else he had in the refrigerator.

Eventually that friendship turned to love, and they were married on September 8, 1973, at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church. Roberta worked at various odd jobs, but her passion was throwing a dinner party.

Then on February 29, 1980, their only daughter was born. They named her Katharine Danielle Wolfe and life change for the Wolfes. As Kate grew, she became a very energetic child, so her mom decided to start a girl scout troop. The girls entered as brownies and left with the highest award in girl scouting -a gold star. Roberta was an excellent leader. She put her whole heart into making sure these girls had a great time.

With an empty nest, Roberta went back to entertaining. At that time Kate was studying in London, so they made a few trips to see her and other friends they had in London. While in London Kate met her future husband, Arjun Venu.
Kate moved back to Virginia and began working for Booz Allen Hamilton. She spent many nights on the phone to Arjun. He came to Virginia, giving us all a chance to meet him. Secretly he asked Tom if he could marry Kate and of course Tom said yes. Kate and Arjun were married on June 7, 2014.

Eventually Roberta developed Alzheimer’s and after fighting it for 4 years she finally succumbed to it on April 10, 2025.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Tom, and her daughter, Katharine.
She is survived her sister, Deanna Den Hartog and her son-in-law, Arjun Venu.