Otto R. Voelker

Otto Roy Voelker, lifelong resident of Pigeon, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.
Otto was born February 24, 1918 to Oscar and Martha (Gettel) Voelker. Following his graduation from Pigeon High School in 1936 he attended Michigan State College in preparation for his lifelong commitment to farming. On June 28, 1947 he was united in marriage to Anita Caroline Dietzel in Elkton.
Otto was inducted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He served proudly with the 46th General Hospital as an X-ray technician in the European and African theater and received numerous meritorious awards. He was a member of the VFW Pigeon Post 2236.
Following the war, Otto returned to farm with his dad. Subsequently a partnership was formed with his brother Don, followed by farming with his son Ross. He continued to help on the farm into his early 90's. Otto's lifelong passion was farming. He received much satisfaction to see the farm receive the Centennial marker in 1987.
Otto was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who enjoyed following his children's and grandchildren's activities and accomplishments. He was a lifelong member of Salem United Methodist Church in Pigeon where he has served on the Board of Trustees. Otto sat on the Huron County Planning & Zoning Board for several years.
He is survived by his wife, Anita Dietzel Voelker of Pigeon; children, Carol (Bill) Moran of Colchester, Vermont, Faye Ignash of Birmingham, Donna (Marvin) Thompson of Redford, Janice (Chuck) Lipp of Lake Jackson, Texas, Ross (Noreen) Voelker of Pigeon, and David (Melissa) Voelker of Plant City, Florida; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Vera Lum of Prescott Valley, Arizona; brother, Donald Voelker of Indianola, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Duane Ignash, and sisters, Laura LaValley, Lila Rader, and Velma Valasek.
The Funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Salem United Methodist Church, with Rev. John K. Benissan, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Grandlawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, Bay Shore Camp, United Hospice, Marlette, or charity of donor's choice.

VISITATION AT MEYERSIECK-BUSSEMA FUNERAL HOME, PIGEON:
Friday, May 17 2 - 8 p.m.
AND AT SALEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PIGEON:
Saturday, May 18 1 p.m. until the service at 2 p.m.