Restaurant co-owner dies in Ocala

The owners of Wolfy’s, Diane German and her son, Anthony Viktora, who took over the eatery on Jan. 2, 2024, pose with two of their signature dishes on Jan. 18, 2024, in Ocala. Diane German died Dec. 28, 2025, and a Jacksonville man has now been charged in connection to her death. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Family members, friends and customers are mourning the death of Diane German, co-owner of Wolfy’s Restaurant, a landmark location for decades at 2159 E. Silver Springs Blvd., in Ocala.

“She will be greatly missed,” said server Taylor Stewart at the restaurant on Jan. 6.

German, 72, was found deceased in a residential pool in Ocala on Dec. 28, 2025.

The Ocala Police Department is “currently investigating the circumstances” of her death, according to OPD Public Information Officer Jeffrey Walczak.

Anthony Viktora, German’s son and restaurant co-owner, was at the eatery on Jan 6. He was joined by his wife, Erica, an Army combat veteran of Iraq in 2008, and their son, Logan, 11 months. Viktora, 48, said he “partnered with his mother” on taking over the restaurant on Jan. 2, 2024, and he was “not walking away” from the operation in her memory.

German had come out of retirement following the passing of her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic to purchase Wolfy’s and run the establishment with him, Viktora stated.

He described his mother as “strong willed” and “very young acting.” He called the food service industry “challenging.”

Viktora said for now it’s “business as usual” but he has an “open mind” about the future of the business.

“This restaurant, the employees, that’s her family,” Viktora said.