Dorothy S. Voelker

Dorothy S. Voelker, 93, Palmer, was called to her heavenly home, Sunday, May 8, 2016 at the Linn Community Nursing Home, Linn. Visitation was 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palmer. A Celebration of Life service was 10 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016 at St. John’s Church with Pastor Jacob Sherry officiating. Sheila Stuenkel was organist and Dorothy's nephews sang “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus.” The congregation sang “Beautiful Savior,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “When Peace Like a River” and “Go My Children with My Blessing.” Pallbearers were Robert Voelker, William Voelker, Richard Voelker, Rodney Voelker, Howard Voelker, Gary Voelker, Ted Voelker, Tim Voelker, Tom Voelker and Randall Voelker. Honoray pallbearers were Joyce Voelker and Posthumous, Jean Tegtmeier. Burial was in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Dorothy was born August 1, 1922 to William and Marie (Tewes) Voelker on the family farm near Palmer. She was baptized by Rev. J.G.B. Keller on August 13, 1922 and confirmed by Rev. Miessler, April 5, 1936, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her birth occurred about the time that they moved into their new house, which replaced the one that had been destroyed by fire about nine months earlier. Except for about eight years, she lived her entire life in that house, which was later moved to Palmer in 1949. As a young woman she helped in the homes of her brothers’ families when their children were born. She also worked as a housekeeper in other homes in the community. For many years she helped her father and brothers with their farming operations, especially with hay baling and combining. For periods of time she worked as a telephone operator in Palmer and at Hutchinson Manufacturing in Clay Center,where she was one of the first females hired. Doing handwork, crafts, and especially crocheting and quilting were her favorite hobbies. Her family members have been blessed by the many items she created,which they hold as dear possessions, such as perpetual calendars, “Voelker” wall hangings, bed quilts, lap quilts, tea towels, doilies and other kinds of embroidery. Dorothy loved baking pies and sharing them with her visitors. She was also an avid KU Basketball fan. Dorothy was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palmer. She volunteered at the Linn Community Nursing Home for Bible studies, was active in the LWML and helped with the LWML Braille project as well as many other charities. Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, William Voelker, Elmer Voelker; and niece Jean (Voelker) Tegtmeier. Survivors include her niece, Joyce Voelker, Greenleaf; nephews, Robert (Linda) Voelker, Salisbury, NC, Howard (Mary) Voelker, Westport, NE, Richard (Charlotte) Voelker, Palmer, Gary (Deb) Voelker, Palmer, Rev. Bill (Judith) Voelker, Savannah, MO, Rod (Judy) Voelker, Pierce, NE, Ted (Chris) Voelker, Rudolph, WI, Tim (Michele) Voelker, Greenleaf, Tom (Carol) Voelker, Latimer, IA, Randy (Melinda) Voelker, Newton; as well as many great nieces and nephews. A memorial fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dorothy S. Voelker, please visit our flower store.