Fred
Fred L. Volker
Fred Lloyd Volker age 83 went to join his Heavenly Father on Monday, March 14, 2016.
Fred was born February 21, 1933 the youngest son of Fred and Dorothy (Petty) Volker. He attended Otsego High School and served his country in the United States Air Force ending by being stationed in Victoria, Texas where he married the love of his life, Joan Clare Stegeman on June 10, 1954. Fred was a hard worker, working three jobs so his wife could stay home and raise their family. He worked for his brother-in-law and sister at Mol’s Restaurant, worked on the farm and then for Parker Hannifin Brass Division for 40 years until his retirement in 1995. Fred and Joan were loving foster parents to many newborn babies, loved their cottage on Pine Lake and then enjoyed their later years at their cottage in the UP on McDonald Lake.
Surviving are his children, Jeffery (Ellen) Volker of Inman, SC, Nancy Volker-Oberlin and Sarah (Tom) Clemens all of Otsego; grandchildren, Abby (Derek) Hildebrand, Ryan (Lydia) Oberlin, Lorie Volker, Ross (Tiffany) Volker, Meghan Clemens, Molly Clemens and McKinley Clemens; great-grandchildren, Hunter Boone, Delaney Boone, Braylen Bruyere, Madison and Grayson Oberlin; siblings, Joyce Drake of Fort Wayne, IN and Jeanette Freeman of Clearwater, FL along with many nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Fred when he was 8 years old; his mother, Dorothy when he was 19 years old; his loving wife of 57 years, Joan in 2011 and by his siblings, an infant sister, Robert, Dorothy, William, Edward, Patricia and Jean.
Friends may visit with Fred’s family from
2-4PM and 6-8PM Wednesday, March 16, 2016
at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A funeral service will be held on
Friday, March 18, 2016 at 11:00 A.M
. at the First Congregational Church in Otsego with Pastor Darin Youngs officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego Township. Military Honors by Otsego VFW Post #3030.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Fred may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego, the
Natonal Parkinson Foundation
, the
American Cancer Society
or to
Reverence Home Health & Hospice of Kalamazoo.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Fred L. Volker
Condolence Messages
Jim & Bonnie Hoffman
March 14, 2016 at 3:58 pm
Jeff and family, so sorry for your loss. I remember all the great talks we had about both your Mom and Dad when we worked together. He was always a gentleman no matter what. I will see you at the visitation and service. If there is any thing we can do to help the family with please let me know.
Reply
Andrea Creech
March 14, 2016 at 4:54 pm
To the family:
I am deeply sorry for the list of Fred. When ever I would see Fred, my,face would light up and I know I certainly light up his too. He was such a great man.
Rest in Peace.
Reply
Terry and Pam Morse
March 14, 2016 at 6:21 pm
Jeff and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Hold all the special memories close, they will help you through the sad times. You will be in our thoughts and prayers, please call if we can help in any way.
Reply
Tim & Laurie Andrus
March 14, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Jeff & Ellen – Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father will be remembered for all the good he did in his lifetime. We will see you at visitation.
Love,
Laurie & Tim
Reply
Sherry Harrison
March 14, 2016 at 8:21 pm
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time . May you find comfort with all the fond memories you have of him let them be your guide toget you through this tough time . Prayers to all of you . Bill & Sherry Harrison
Reply
Jayne Saucedo Stamurs
March 14, 2016 at 9:35 pm
Sarah and Tom, Nancy and Jeff and the rest of the family. I’m so sorry for your loss! Your father was a very loving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I will miss seeing him down the road, May God surround you during this difficult time.
Hugs!
Jayne
Reply
Jeanette Volker Freeman
March 14, 2016 at 9:59 pm
Jeff, Nancy and Sarah I’m so terribly sorry for your great loss. I will miss him as well. We had such good times the three years he spent in Florida. Love and prayers to all of you
Reply
Bob and Vicky Doll
March 14, 2016 at 10:35 pm
Ross,
We are so sorry to hear about Father’s passing . We will keep you in our prayers. May God help you through this difficult time.
Love and prayers.
Bob and Vicky Doll.
Reply
Sheri and Dave Johnsen
March 14, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Thinking about your family and wishing you peace and fond memories. He was a great man and his goodness lives in you.Much love.
Sheri, Dave and Allysa
Reply
Jack @& Teri Laster
March 15, 2016 at 7:28 am
Sadie & family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your dad worked with my dad for years & were great buddies. Seems I’ve known him for years. He was always a gentleman & he & your mom were the greatest team. How awesome they are once again reunited in the most glorious place. Hugs!
Reply
Chip and Tina Austin
March 15, 2016 at 9:07 am
Rip Fred
You’ll be sorely missed. I’ll never forget my first impression. I had my very first meeting date ; with my husband Chip at the Farmer St. Home. April 1989! You we’re yelling at all girls about having crafts paints n material in every room.!!
Reply
Lynne (Bullock) Livingston
March 15, 2016 at 9:09 am
So sorry for your family’s loss. I did not know your father Jeff, but I DO know, your Mom n Dad raised some great kids! Hang on to the good memories and all the lessons learned. Hugs, love and prayers.
Reply
Kelley DePauw-Ayers
March 15, 2016 at 10:27 pm
So sorry for the loss you are enduring, praying for your hearts to heal and you to remember all the wonderful times he has given you in your lives.. I remember as a young girl when I visited the Völker home, I always felt a little intimidated by Fred because he was a tall man and back then, kind of quiet, but as I got older I realized he was a big Teddy Bear! I always appreciated his salsa and jam making that I received a jar of every now & then, not to mention the blackberry cordial! Hugs and prayers to family and I’m sure him and Joan are happy to be reunited together again and with the Lord
Reply
Joyce Sheldon
March 15, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Jeff, Nancy, and Sarah
When some one you love becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure. May the cherished memories spent with your father comfort you at this time. Your in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Reply
ForneyDawn
March 16, 2016 at 12:02 am
Sad to hear of Fred’s passing . Nancy ,Jeff and Sadie may God be with at this time .Hold on to your memories .I’ve known Fred since he was 17 yrs old .Remembering a lot of good times when we were young .Rest in peace Fred .
Reply
Don Sheldon
March 16, 2016 at 10:37 am
Jeff, Nancy and Sarah
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I have great memories of him and your entire family when we were young. he was truly a great man. My dad would often tell us stories of how he and your dad set off to join the service together when they were just kids, 15 or 16 years old. My father cherished those memories and they remained the best of friends for the rest of their lives. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers.
Reply
Debbie and Kel Stewart
March 16, 2016 at 10:55 am
We’ll miss you Fred, as we miss Joan. The joking and fun times will forever be in our memories, we still refer to you both when situations remind us of you 🙂 There is a space in our hearts for both of you. Love ya and ty for the good memories.
Reply
tim knarian
March 17, 2016 at 10:35 am
God Bless Jeff and family.
Reply
Mary & Jim Sackett
March 17, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Jeff & Ellen. So sorry to hear of your father passing. Losing your father is not easy. You were lucky to have had him as long as you did. That will make your memories even more unforgettable. You’re in our prayers. Godspeed to you and yours in your healing.
The song is ended but the melody lingers on
– Irving Berlin
Reply
Jan Myers
March 17, 2016 at 8:40 pm
Sarah and families: So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. It is
a very difficult time in your lives and we will pray for your peace and
comfort in the knowledge that your parents are together again.
Jan Myers and family
Reply
Emily Mills
March 18, 2016 at 5:32 pm
Nanc, Jeff, Sarah and families,
I was sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I always loved his sense of humor and his ability to make others laugh. I know you’ll miss him but knowing he’s reunited with your mom will help you get through this sad time. Hugs. Em
Reply
Mike Henry
March 19, 2016 at 8:06 am
So thankful that you are reunited with Joan, I am very thankful for the visits we had and you sharing the funny memories and shenanigans that you and my Grandpa pulled off! Rest peaceful Uncle Fred.
Reply
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Fred was born February 21, 1933 the youngest son of Fred and Dorothy (Petty) Volker. He attended Otsego High School and served his country in the United States Air Force ending by being stationed in Victoria, Texas where he married the love of his life, Joan Clare Stegeman on June 10, 1954. Fred was a hard worker, working three jobs so his wife could stay home and raise their family. He worked for his brother-in-law and sister at Mol’s Restaurant, worked on the farm and then for Parker Hannifin Brass Division for 40 years until his retirement in 1995. Fred and Joan were loving foster parents to many newborn babies, loved their cottage on Pine Lake and then enjoyed their later years at their cottage in the UP on McDonald Lake.
Surviving are his children, Jeffery (Ellen) Volker of Inman, SC, Nancy Volker-Oberlin and Sarah (Tom) Clemens all of Otsego; grandchildren, Abby (Derek) Hildebrand, Ryan (Lydia) Oberlin, Lorie Volker, Ross (Tiffany) Volker, Meghan Clemens, Molly Clemens and McKinley Clemens; great-grandchildren, Hunter Boone, Delaney Boone, Braylen Bruyere, Madison and Grayson Oberlin; siblings, Joyce Drake of Fort Wayne, IN and Jeanette Freeman of Clearwater, FL along with many nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Fred when he was 8 years old; his mother, Dorothy when he was 19 years old; his loving wife of 57 years, Joan in 2011 and by his siblings, an infant sister, Robert, Dorothy, William, Edward, Patricia and Jean.
Friends may visit with Fred’s family from
2-4PM and 6-8PM Wednesday, March 16, 2016
at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A funeral service will be held on
Friday, March 18, 2016 at 11:00 A.M
. at the First Congregational Church in Otsego with Pastor Darin Youngs officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego Township. Military Honors by Otsego VFW Post #3030.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Fred may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego, the
Natonal Parkinson Foundation
, the
American Cancer Society
or to
Reverence Home Health & Hospice of Kalamazoo.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Fred L. Volker
Condolence Messages
Jim & Bonnie Hoffman
March 14, 2016 at 3:58 pm
Jeff and family, so sorry for your loss. I remember all the great talks we had about both your Mom and Dad when we worked together. He was always a gentleman no matter what. I will see you at the visitation and service. If there is any thing we can do to help the family with please let me know.
Reply
Andrea Creech
March 14, 2016 at 4:54 pm
To the family:
I am deeply sorry for the list of Fred. When ever I would see Fred, my,face would light up and I know I certainly light up his too. He was such a great man.
Rest in Peace.
Reply
Terry and Pam Morse
March 14, 2016 at 6:21 pm
Jeff and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Hold all the special memories close, they will help you through the sad times. You will be in our thoughts and prayers, please call if we can help in any way.
Reply
Tim & Laurie Andrus
March 14, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Jeff & Ellen – Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father will be remembered for all the good he did in his lifetime. We will see you at visitation.
Love,
Laurie & Tim
Reply
Sherry Harrison
March 14, 2016 at 8:21 pm
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time . May you find comfort with all the fond memories you have of him let them be your guide toget you through this tough time . Prayers to all of you . Bill & Sherry Harrison
Reply
Jayne Saucedo Stamurs
March 14, 2016 at 9:35 pm
Sarah and Tom, Nancy and Jeff and the rest of the family. I’m so sorry for your loss! Your father was a very loving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I will miss seeing him down the road, May God surround you during this difficult time.
Hugs!
Jayne
Reply
Jeanette Volker Freeman
March 14, 2016 at 9:59 pm
Jeff, Nancy and Sarah I’m so terribly sorry for your great loss. I will miss him as well. We had such good times the three years he spent in Florida. Love and prayers to all of you
Reply
Bob and Vicky Doll
March 14, 2016 at 10:35 pm
Ross,
We are so sorry to hear about Father’s passing . We will keep you in our prayers. May God help you through this difficult time.
Love and prayers.
Bob and Vicky Doll.
Reply
Sheri and Dave Johnsen
March 14, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Thinking about your family and wishing you peace and fond memories. He was a great man and his goodness lives in you.Much love.
Sheri, Dave and Allysa
Reply
Jack @& Teri Laster
March 15, 2016 at 7:28 am
Sadie & family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your dad worked with my dad for years & were great buddies. Seems I’ve known him for years. He was always a gentleman & he & your mom were the greatest team. How awesome they are once again reunited in the most glorious place. Hugs!
Reply
Chip and Tina Austin
March 15, 2016 at 9:07 am
Rip Fred
You’ll be sorely missed. I’ll never forget my first impression. I had my very first meeting date ; with my husband Chip at the Farmer St. Home. April 1989! You we’re yelling at all girls about having crafts paints n material in every room.!!
Reply
Lynne (Bullock) Livingston
March 15, 2016 at 9:09 am
So sorry for your family’s loss. I did not know your father Jeff, but I DO know, your Mom n Dad raised some great kids! Hang on to the good memories and all the lessons learned. Hugs, love and prayers.
Reply
Kelley DePauw-Ayers
March 15, 2016 at 10:27 pm
So sorry for the loss you are enduring, praying for your hearts to heal and you to remember all the wonderful times he has given you in your lives.. I remember as a young girl when I visited the Völker home, I always felt a little intimidated by Fred because he was a tall man and back then, kind of quiet, but as I got older I realized he was a big Teddy Bear! I always appreciated his salsa and jam making that I received a jar of every now & then, not to mention the blackberry cordial! Hugs and prayers to family and I’m sure him and Joan are happy to be reunited together again and with the Lord
Reply
Joyce Sheldon
March 15, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Jeff, Nancy, and Sarah
When some one you love becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure. May the cherished memories spent with your father comfort you at this time. Your in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Reply
ForneyDawn
March 16, 2016 at 12:02 am
Sad to hear of Fred’s passing . Nancy ,Jeff and Sadie may God be with at this time .Hold on to your memories .I’ve known Fred since he was 17 yrs old .Remembering a lot of good times when we were young .Rest in peace Fred .
Reply
Don Sheldon
March 16, 2016 at 10:37 am
Jeff, Nancy and Sarah
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I have great memories of him and your entire family when we were young. he was truly a great man. My dad would often tell us stories of how he and your dad set off to join the service together when they were just kids, 15 or 16 years old. My father cherished those memories and they remained the best of friends for the rest of their lives. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers.
Reply
Debbie and Kel Stewart
March 16, 2016 at 10:55 am
We’ll miss you Fred, as we miss Joan. The joking and fun times will forever be in our memories, we still refer to you both when situations remind us of you 🙂 There is a space in our hearts for both of you. Love ya and ty for the good memories.
Reply
tim knarian
March 17, 2016 at 10:35 am
God Bless Jeff and family.
Reply
Mary & Jim Sackett
March 17, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Jeff & Ellen. So sorry to hear of your father passing. Losing your father is not easy. You were lucky to have had him as long as you did. That will make your memories even more unforgettable. You’re in our prayers. Godspeed to you and yours in your healing.
The song is ended but the melody lingers on
– Irving Berlin
Reply
Jan Myers
March 17, 2016 at 8:40 pm
Sarah and families: So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. It is
a very difficult time in your lives and we will pray for your peace and
comfort in the knowledge that your parents are together again.
Jan Myers and family
Reply
Emily Mills
March 18, 2016 at 5:32 pm
Nanc, Jeff, Sarah and families,
I was sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I always loved his sense of humor and his ability to make others laugh. I know you’ll miss him but knowing he’s reunited with your mom will help you get through this sad time. Hugs. Em
Reply
Mike Henry
March 19, 2016 at 8:06 am
So thankful that you are reunited with Joan, I am very thankful for the visits we had and you sharing the funny memories and shenanigans that you and my Grandpa pulled off! Rest peaceful Uncle Fred.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
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At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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