Mr. Bernard Volker, 87, a Northland resident of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 7, 2022. He was born March 4, 1935 in Dodge County, NE to Bernard H. and Marcella (Krajicek) Volker.
Ben graduated from Guardian Angel’s Catholic High School in West Point, NE then proudly served in the United States Air Force. He had a long and rewarding career in sales. He started out working for Hested in Superior, NE and then went to work for the Ben Franklin Co. as a traveling salesman. Ben managed the Hickory Hills Ben Franklin store in Kansas City, MO. Following his career with Ben Franklin, he spent 10 years with Blue Luster, a carpet shampoo company based out of Indianapolis, IN. Ben ended his career with True Value Hardware, where he retired in 1994, following 10 years of service. After retirement, he dabbled in real estate for a short time.
Ben was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish and was devoted to both his Lord and his family. Ben was a proud member of the Knight’s of Columbus and was proud to be a Fourth Degree Knight. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, reading, working in the yard. An avid sports fan, he was a loyal fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.
He married Carolyn Gray on September 23, 1961 in Hot Springs, SD. In addition to Carolyn, survivors include Greg A. Volker and wife, Shelly of Kansas City, MO; daughter Sandy K. Schnack and husband, Troy of Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren: Ryan Swope, Alex Volker, Justin Volker and Matthew Volker; five great grandchildren: Mason, Abel, Emma, Brodie and Wesley. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marcella Will.
The Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m., the Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at St. Charles Borromeo Church. The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Ben’s life will commence at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Don Farnan presiding. A Committal Service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Leavenworth National Cemetery 150 Muncie Road Leavenworth, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Knight’s of Columbus or Guardian Angel’s Catholic High School in West Point, NE and may be left in the care of Meyers Northland Chapel. Memories of Ben and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Thank you Ben for serving our country. Because of your service to our country we can all live our lives in freedom and peace.
God bless you for taking care of our country and for all the sacrifices you have made for our country for me and for all of us.
You rest now in heaven with God the Blessed Mother and the Angels and with all of our other Veterans who have served our country.
LINDA PETERSON
WIFE OF A (DECEASED) UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN
Carolyn we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Ben was such a kind hearted man. He will be missed. Prayers are with you all
Carolyn, and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are happy you had 60 years together. While I really only knew Ben when I was a child and rarely did our paths cross as adults. I am reflecting now on the time the two of you stopped by the house and we were able to share updates on our lives. I am sure Ben is bringing his parents and Tootie up to date on the happenings since they passed. Stay close to your family and gather strength together.
Dear Carolyn, thank you for letting us know of Ben’s passing. We always so enjoyed his company, along with yours, during the too-few times we were able to get together. He will be remembered as a genuine, strong and kind person, who lived in service of his family and country. We send you love and prayers for strength during this time of loss.
Dear Carolyn,
Sharon P. just told me of Ben’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort.
Much love. 💗
Carolyn & Family, So very sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed Ben at all the Knights functions. Our deepest sympathies to all.
Dear Carolyn and Family,
I was so sad to hear of Ben’s passing. I will always remember the time we were able to visit you and Ben. Ben did all the cooking so we cousins could catch up on old times. What a prince.
He will be missed.
Dear Carolyn and family,
We were very sad to hear that your beloved Ben passed away.
I am also writing on behalf of your brother Jack in Australia.
Jack loved hearing from you and Ben, and although he isn’t able to talk, his face always lit-up when we read a letter or shared a photo of your lives back in the US.
We are thinking of, and praying for, you all during this difficult time.
Carolyn i am so sorry for your loss. Ben will be missed by so many people. We all got really close when we were neighbors in Raytown for 40 years. We became a family. And we still are. My girls loved Ben like a n Uncle. He was like a brother to me and you a sister. God got a very special man. Love you so much
Ben was clearly a wonderful neighbor and friend. I will always remember the times we spent talking and sharing your guidance across the fence. Carolyn I know that I can’t understand how badly you are hurting right now, but I hope that your life with such a fantastic husband as Ben gives you some measure of comfort. I truly miss my confidant from across the fence.
I have many great memories of Ben. One of my fondest memories was walking with him in the Snake Saturday Parade, carrying the Knights of Columbus banner. Afterwards, we would walk to my truck and go some place for lunch. It was something I looked forward to each year. My condolences to Carolyn, Greg and the rest of the family.
Carolyn our hearts pour out to you and your family. Jack and I enjoyed visiting with you and Ben at church and at the prayer group sessions we belonged to. We know this is a very sorrowful time for you and your family. Ben was such a good man and we know he is in heaven. I had no idea that Ben grew up in Nebraska. That was where my mother grew up, too; however she grew up in Odell, NE; south of Beatrice near the KS-NE border. My father was involved in the Kansas Knights of Columbus as well as the national Knights of Columbus. He, too, was a fourth degree Knight. It is a small world and it is truly a blessing we met. Lots of prayers coming your way, Carolyn and your family, too.
Carolyn Gregg/Shelley/Matthew and all the family, I send my sorrows and sadness for your loss but also our loss. Ben was a favorite of mine for wisdom and freshness. We shared many stories together and I miss him like family. I know he is in a happy and blessed place and always watching over his family and us too. God Bless and keep him always. His friend for life.
To Ben’s family, my family and I are very sorry for your lost. It was truly a pleasure knowing Ben . I have great memories of him. He was the one who introduced me to the Knights of Columbus and his advice was and is still precious to me. Those nights working together at Bingo were the moments I will cherish forever. He will be deeply missed.