Vivian Volker
June 9, 1923 ~ June 27, 2015
Vivian M. Volker age 92 of New Hampton, died Saturday, June 27, 2015, at New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Hampton with pastor Jesse DeDeyne officiating.
Interment will be held at the New Hampton City Cemetery with Ed Wehde, Clark Lupkes, Joe Berst Jr., Eli Berst, Justin Carpenter, Brett Volker, Todd Vikdal , and Monty Vikdal serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Amy Wehde, April Lupkes, Autumn Carpenter, Mindy Berst, Julie Berst, Rayna Halvorson, Melissa Richter, and Tiffiny Vikdal.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Vivian Mabel Volker was born June 9, 1923, in rural Chickasaw County, Iowa, the daughter of Jess and Hazel (Fulcher) Straw. She attended country schools near Fredericksburg completing the 8th grade. Vivian met Merrille Volker while she was visiting neighbors with her parents. One of their first dates was going to the movie; 'Gone with the Wind', as it turns out they were short for the admission price, so they settled for candy bars and each other. The couple was married May 17, 1942, at Spring Foundation Lutheran Church in Sumner, IA. To this union three children were born. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Waterloo until he was called to service in October of 1942. While Merrille was away, Vivian lived in Sumner working various jobs.
Vivian moved back to Waterloo anticipating Merrille's return from the service. After coming home in 1945, the couple lived in Waterloo, and decided to pursue their passion of farming. They purchased their first home five miles north of New Hampton. Vivian spent many hours farming alongside Merrille. She worked at the Crystal Grill for many years as a waitress, and at your friendly neighborhood Jack & Jill Store in New Hampton.
Vivian enjoyed flower gardening, playing cards, dancing, embroidery, and watching birds in her yard. She was a member of the New Hampton American Legion Auxiliary. Vivian was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Vivian is survived by one son, Dennis (Carol) Volker of New Hampton, IA; one daughter, Pam (Brad) Halvorson of New Hampton, IA; ten grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren; one sister, Vera Bunger of Colorado; three sisters-in-law, Sara Straw of Lawler, IA, Joan Straw of New Hampton, IA, and Betty Volker of Sumner, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Merrille in 1999; one son, Monty Volker in 1983; three brothers, Dale, Earl, and Merlin Straw; one sister-in-law, Sumi Straw; one brother-in-law, Bill Bunger
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Dennis, Pam and families, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a delightful and cheerful person. Whenever I go to Mom’s, I go past where you all lived in the Devon country school days. I still always think of your family and the fun times at the school and as neighbors. So many fond memories of those simple days. I live at La Crescent, Minnesota now as a local historian and writer. My husband, Len, just retired. We have two bachelor sons. One in La Crosse, the other in Boise, Idaho. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all at this difficult time. Donna (Christoph) Huegel
Thanks everyone for your kind words. Just read these all to my folks Carol and Denny. It’s going to be a rough few days but with it family and friends it’s s little easier. April Lupkes
Our deepest sympathy to Vivian’s family. Vivian was such a kind, caring, loving individual. We have so many memories of her out in her garden, smelling the flowers and always bring us fresh veggies. She was a gifted baker as well, she would always bake Shane (my husband ) a homemade Rhubarb pie. She and I would visit in the back yard and she was always talking about the family, and her grandchildren. You could see how proud she was of each one of them, and how much she enjoyed their visits. And her eyes would just light up when she would see our youngest two children out playing outside. She loved to watch them play and we would visit when we seen her out and about. Vivian will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will treasure all the memories of her as neighbors and a dear friend, we will miss her dearly! It’s comfort to know that she is finally at peace and pain free. Heaven truly gained a beautiful angel! God bless you all! Shane & Dawn Erlandson
So sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Birdie (Berst) Kerkove
Pam & Dennis We feel such a loss as she was always there. A relative we loved & treasured as we did her mother. You are all in our prayers. Love, Ann, Mark & Rochelle Fulcher
So sorry to hear of your families loss. God bless all of you. Love, Lacy, Chris, Gene, Ella, & Cara Carolan
Sorry to hear the news of Vivians passing. She was a sweetheart and will be missed by everyone who knew her. Give each other big hugs!!!
Our sympathy to all the family. Vivian was such a lovely lady, I always enjoyed visiting with her. She will be missed by her neighbors and all who new her. Dave and Sandy Jaschen
Linda And Gary Steven lit a candle in memory of Vivian M Volker
Too Vivians family, we extend our sympathy. A special lady is gone but you will always have great memories. She had a smile for everyone each day. Duane and Pat Lynch
I worked with Vivian at the Jack and Jill store from 1970-1974. She was such fun to work with! Always smiling and laughing, helping us younger employees learn the grocery business. A great lady. My sympathy to her family. Glenn Nystel
One way to remember her by is knowing we have a good angel watching over us!! Send our prayers!
Thinking of all of you, Viv was always a sweet lady. With sympathy Diana Kruger
So sorry for your loss. I remember her as the really nice neighbor lady when I was a little kid. I’m sure she’ll be sadly missed.
To Vivians family you have our sympathy , what a great lady and always had a kind word, infectious smile and conversation when you met her… Bob and Sharon
Pam Brad Denny and Carolee you have our deepest sympathy. She was a very special lady to us and we both loved her dearly. We have many special memories of that ‘peach ‘ of a lady. Love you all . Jan and Jim
Dennis and Carolee, We are sorry for your loss, with thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Vivian was a very special, very caring woman. A role model to all. She will be missed by many. Donna and Don Kubesh
My sympathy to Vivian’s family. She was a very special person. Always had a smile and so0mething friendly to say, always positive. God rest her soul. Mary Wegner
Our prayers and sympathy to the Volker family. VIvian was such a lovely lady.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Vivian’s family. Tom and Ruth Bernatz
The Family of Vivian Volker— Our deepest sympathy to you all during the passing of a GREAT mom, mother in law, grandma, great-grandma and most of all a GREAT person.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Donald and Peggy Broer
Vivian was such a special lady, always loved visiting with her, wonderful sense of humor and wonderful sense of family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Larry & Marcia
Dear Carolee and Dennis: You and your family have my sympathy in the loss of your mother. Vivian was a delightful person, always so friendly and smiling. A great person to know. Sharon Trewin
You are in are prayers. Jerry& Joanne Heying
Aunt Vivian was a wonderful, special person who touched many lives, including mine. I have many happy memories of her during my childhood and throughout my life. Growing up those few years we lived in Iowa, I thought spending time on the Volker farm was the most fun and exciting thing possible and always looked forward to it. Vivian was a kind and thoughtful person and also a wonderful cook, but mostly I’ll never forget her contagious chuckle and spirit of fun, and her loving, caring words. She will be dearly missed. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers, Debra Diamond and sons, Nick, Joe and Matthew
Our deepest sympathy to you all…Vivian was such a sweet lady. Don and Karen Utey
Regards to your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Vivian sure was a special lady. Hold tight to all the wonderful memories. God Bless You All. Mary Kay Stee
I am so sorry that Vivian passed away but I know she is with our Lord and I know she will tell my Mama I love her, too! She was a real pleasure to care for and wonderful woman to know. You are all in my prayers at this time of your loss. Cyndee Pierson RN
My sympathies to all the Volker Family. Your Mom was so sweet and kind and always had a smile for everyone. Let all those precious memories of her never leave your heart. She was a special lady. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Phyllis Nosbisch
Dennis and Carolee Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
If ever there was (is) an abiding face of humanity… it is Aunt Vivian… the world is less bright today with the passing of this one-of-a-kind lady… and I feel so grateful for her enduring love and light that we may carry in our hearts…