Mike Volrath
January 28, 2014
Mike L. Volrath, Sr. passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 with his family by his bedside. Mike lost his 11 year battle with cancer.
Mike was born August 14, 1931 to Lillian and George Volrath in Davenport, Iowa. He played basketball and football at Davenport Central.
He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, golf, travel, entertaining family and friends and most of all, a good story. He was an excellent story teller and could manufacture fictitious facts to relate to his children and grandchildren with a straight face. He was also a die-hard Cubs and Hawkeye fan. He was in the Navy for four years during the Korean War serving aboard the USS Ashland.
Mike met his bride in June of 1950 and six weeks later, they eloped and married with everyone saying it wouldn’t last. But they celebrated their 63rd anniversary last July 29. They were blessed with five children: Linda VandeBerg (Jim), Michael (Becky), Scott, Jeff (Lisa), and Kelli Dellis (Sherman); 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Mike was the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge in Pleasant Hill in 1980. He served as Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Moneta, VA and was a member of the Ritual Team for the Moose in Virginia.
He was a plumber by trade, but developed a love of remodeling work and finished many projects while living in Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marilyn and Marcella; brother, George; son, Jeff; and daughter, Kelli.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2014 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Blvd, Des Moines at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014 with an Elks Rest Service following Mass. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals in memory of Mike.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Penny Mangels-Knock
02/01/2014
Aunt Kathy,
So sorry to hear of Uncle Mike's passing. Grandma will miss him dearly and I will forever remember "The Big Mouth Frog". Peace to you, Michael, Becky, and the entire Volrath family.
Lowell Daasch
01/31/2014
We go way back to 1939 Mike, when we met at school. You lived down the alley from me, we stayed friends till high school in 1950. Then we met again at your oldest sisters funeral last year.. RIP dear friend
Robert "Bud" Osborn, & Verna Korte Osborn
01/31/2014
It was painful to read of Mike's obit on Thursday. It means that this bigger than life "Best Person" BPOE, persona, is gone forever. Real people like Mike should live forever. It is so sad. Mike was a real person in ever sense of the word. He was a Real Leader , energetic, imaginative, cheerful, with great zest for life. It is a rare event when you have the opportunity to know a person like Mike. Elkdom was certainly blessed by his participation.
The Mirrored Wall at the Elks 98 stood for years as a vivid testimony of his magnetism to attract, helpful people of trust, true friends, heartfelt courtesy, and the kindness it engenders. It was joyful and comforting to have known Mike and to have been an Elk under his leadership many years ago. It is with our deepest sympathy that we want say, May God Bless the Family and Mike and may Mike rest in Peace with the Lord....-
Robert "Bud" Osborn and Verna Korte Osborn, Elks 2752, Urbandale 1-30-2014
Barb Eggers Bell
01/30/2014
My thoughts are with you all. God bless!
Debbie Kopf
01/30/2014
I will cherish all my great memories of Uncle Mike. I have so many. He was a joy to be around and made so many laugh. Im sure Dad and him are catching up as I post this. May God Bless and help our Famly at this time of great sadness and loss.
Jessica Dunker
01/29/2014
My visits to the ultimate man cave will not be the same without the joyful presence and smile of the world's best story-telling barkeep/ most diligent garage saler. Our family is praying for you all and your loss. I'm so thankful that you introduced the IRA staff to Mike. He will be missed, but I'm certain he's telling some great stories, catching people up in heaven! All of our thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessings and love to the whole Volrath clan.
Bob and Kris Young
01/29/2014
Blessings and Hugs to the Volrath Family. Our thoughts and prayers go with you during this time.
Ken Jones
01/29/2014
Dear Kathy, Mike and Family,
Sherry & I are so sorry to hear about Mikie's passing. Mike called me last July while in Colorado and asked me to be in charge of his Elks Rest. I wish I could be there for the Elks presentation, but we are finishing up our vacation in Aruba. I only new Mikie for a short part of my life, but I have many great memories. Fishing trip to Kelleys Island, your 60th wedding anniversary party and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes at your bar. Shots of Yeager every time Iowa scored. I just wish that I had met Mikie years ago. He will be missed by all who knew him because he truly was a B.P.O.E. - Best Person on Earth.
Ken & Sherry Jones
Katherine Thorson
01/29/2014
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one.
I hope that all of the good memories will help you through this time of sorrow..
Peggy Lippitt
01/28/2014
Lin, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family in the death of your daddy.
Shelly Edgerton (Franzen)
01/28/2014
The lights in Heaven are bright with good stories and laughter tonight. Rest in peace Mike. Love and prayers to your family.