EDWARD JOHN VOLK

Edward J. Volk, 86 of Devils Lake formerly of the Southam/Crary area of North Dakota passed away on Saturday morning, May 12, 2012 at the Heartland Care Center in the loving care of his family and Mercy Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Fr. Dale Kinzler celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army. Serving as Casket Bearers for Ed will be Scott Volk, Chuck Volk, John Bachmeier, David Buchmeier, Bud Crowell, Ken Hager, and Josh Volk. Reading the Scriptures will be Rita Volk and Cimmie Burt and Gift Bearers will be Jennifer Gordon, Steph Volk, Ellie Volk and JaNyah Gordon. Music will be provided by Lynne Webster and Audrey Myklebust. Edward John was born on March 24, 1926 in Berwick, ND, the son of Jacob and Cecelia (Miltenberger) Volk. He lived his early years and attended his primary years of school in Baker, ND. The family moved to Devils Lake when Ed was 12 years old and he attended his middle school years in Devils Lake. Ed helped his father on the farm until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country during World War II in the South Pacific from 1945 to 1947. Ed was honorably discharged with the rank of T5 and returned to North Dakota. On September 16, 1947, Ed was united in marriage to Mary Eva Bachmeier at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, rural Crary, ND. They established their home on a farm near Southam, ND where they lived for over 40 years. They worked hard farming and raising cattle. Ed especially enjoyed the company of his faithful dog, Blue. In 1995, Ed and Mary retired from the farm life and moved to Devils Lake. They enjoyed an easier, quieter life style but still spent a lot of time with their good friends playing cards and visiting. Ed was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW. He was also a member of the Lakota American Legion, served on the Hope School Board and was at one time the Township Supervisor for Nixon Township. Ed was an avid fisherman, deer hunter and card player. He could always find the time for a game of cards. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather. He really liked being a grandpa. Ed is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 65 years, Mary Eva Volk; sons and daughters-in-law Ed and Millie Volk of Lakeville, MN, Ken and Julia Volk of Great Falls, Montana, Jack and Rita Volk of Devils Lake and Larry Volk also of Devils Lake; grandchildren Chuck (Stacy) Volk of Denver, Colorado, Scott (Steph) Volk of Devils Lake, Jennifer Volk (Valdez) Gordon of Fairfield, California, Josh Volk and Jeff Volk both of Great Falls, MT; great grandchildren Ellie Volk, Hayden Volk; JaNyah Gordon and Sean Jakob Gordon; Kaii Volk; brother Jim Volk and his wife Bev of Ohio; many nieces and nephews also survive. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth Volk.