Obituary of Walter Volkmann

WALTER ALFRED VOLKMANN Walter Alfred Volkmann, 93, died peacefully the night of February 26, 2009 in Lacey, Washington where he resided for the past three years. He was born in Wenatchee, WA April 22, 1915, the second of four children of William Volkmann and Frieda Hardekopf Volkmann. Walt grew up speaking German and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Parochial School until his teenage years. During that time he worked in the family orchard and delivered milk for Lester Dairy. Although horse and buggy (or sleigh) were the usual modes of transportation, Walt bought his first car, a 1921 Model T Ford, for $5 and a fountain pen when he was just 12 years old. At age 16, prior to the availability of antibiotics, Walt survived a ruptured appendix and peritonitis. After missing 6 months of classes, he graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1935. Walt worked on the construction of Grand Coulee Dam, both as a jackhammer and crane operator. At age 23, Walt was hired by Eckert Freight Lines in Wenatchee as a truck driver and later as a dock foreman. In 1939, Walt married Lucille “Pinky” Landon. They made their first home in Seattle and then in 1942, both enlisted in the military. Walt rose to the rank of First Sergeant while serving in the Pacific Theater in World War II. He later re-enlisted in the Army during the Korean War. Walt resumed working for Eckert Freight Lines (which later became Silver Eagle) as he and Pinky established a home in Wenatchee. He continued working in sales and management for 39 years without ever missing a day. Besides being a dedicated employee and devoted husband and father, Walt operated his own pear and peach orchard in East Wenatchee. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, serving as an Elder. He was a member of the Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce; served as Chairman for the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival; and was a 12 year member of the National Ski Patrol at Mission Ridge Ski Area. He donated more than 18 gallons of blood to the Red Cross Blood Center. Walt joined the Kiwanis Club of Wenatchee in 1947 and served as President and eventually District Lieutenant Governor in 1964, and as District Chairman for many committees. He was instrumental in forming 20 new Kiwanis clubs including the Kiwanis Club of the Ural Mountains (the only Kiwanis club in the former USSR.) Through the years Walt took into Kiwanis more than 800 new members and was honored by Kiwanis International. In retirement, Walt enjoyed traveling, skiing, jogging and spending time with family and friends. Walt moved from Wenatchee to Panorama three years ago to be closer to family. He was a spirited, inspirational participant in life to the very end. Walt’s personal philosophy emphasized the positive. When asked, “How are you?” his standard reply was: “I can’t see; I can’t hear; I can’t breathe; I can’t walk. But I feel great!” Walt is survived by son, Donald Volkmann (Christina Shamberger) of Olympia; grandsons Tanler Volkmann (Molly) of the Bronx, NY, Tyson Volkmann of San Diego, CA; Toren Volkmann of Portland, OR; and sister, Della Record of Vancouver, WA. He was preceded in death by wife, Pinky; son Richard (Ric); and brothers Eldred and Clarence. The Volkmann family extends deep gratitude to the nurses and staff at Panorama C&R for their loving care of Walt during the past three years. A private family memorial celebration will take place this spring on Saddlerock near Wenatchee. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran School Scholarship Fund in Wenatchee. Please leave condolences by clicking "View Guestbook" below.