Norman Frederick Volkers, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Feb. 14, 2020. He was 82 years old. Norman was born Aug. 16, 1937, in Minden Township to Frederick and Alma (Koepp) Volkers. He graduated from Sauk Rapids High School in 1955. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for nine years. In 1957, Norman was hired by Western Electric as a cable man and was sent to Duluth to work. In 1958, Norman happened upon the love of his life, Judi Nelson, at a bus stop in Duluth. She loved him at first sight. On Dec.6, 1958, Norman and Judi married at Advent Lutheran Church and began what would become a beautiful journey of everlasting love and friendship. Norman and Judi moved to Rogers, where they raised their three children.
Norman was a man overflowing with pride for his family. With strong hands and a dedicated heart, he proudly served on the Rogers Fire Department for 43 years. He was a lifetime member of the Rogers-Nowthen Threshing Show. If he was tired or sick, he still rushed to the aide of others. For years he maintained the Word of Peace Cemetery. He was a selfless man. Norman was a founding member and devoted usher of Word of Peace Lutheran Church. He was a man of faith. In 1994, Norman retired from a 37-year career with AT&T and unlike most others, upon retirement he hastened his pace. He enjoyed camping with his family and watching all of the firsts that came along with those trips. He watched us learn to ride our bikes, taught us how to start a good fire, was patient as we baited our hooks and was quick to help repair a camper. If you needed it, he had it. Norman was a great teacher. He had a life-long love affair with his tractors. They were always cleaned, always shined and certainly always red. He felt incredible pride driving alongside his sons on the Rockin’ Rogers Day Parade.
If he made a promise, he kept it. You felt the strength and integrity in his handshake. You felt the unconditional love behind every single one of his tight hugs. He built a genuine legacy of love, loyalty, devotion and faith. Norman was the gatekeeper of his family.
Norman is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Alma Volkers. He is survived by his wife, Judi; children Michael (Jeanne) Volkers, Lea Ann (Bruce) Tarnowski and Jason (Cheryl) Volkers; grandchildren Paul (Briana) Volkers, Bryan (Jaime) Tarnowski, Dana (TJ) Phillips, Brenda (Kevin) Kane, DaNae (Nick) Mitchell, Connor Volkers and Tia Volkers; great-grandchildren Annie, Isabella, Neiko, April, Maya, Shay, Bliss, Evalyn, Vaughn, Murphy and Mason. He is also survived by siblings Delores Volkers, Mildred Ripplinger, Raymond (Clara) Volkers, Sandra (Russell) Studenski, Darlene (Dennis) Klug and Diane (Mike) Kosloske.
Visitation was at 4 p.m. Feb. 19 at Peterson Chapel in St. Michael. Service was at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Word of Peace Lutheran Church in the name of Norman Volkers
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