Edward D. Volker, 83, of Sumner, surrounded by his family that adored him began his heavenly expedition on March 12, 2013, at his home in Sumner. 

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2013, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. William Runaas, Jr. officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sumner with military rites by Thomas E. Woods Post #223, American Legion of Sumner. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church on Saturday. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner is assisting the family.

Eddie was born on May 29, 1929 in rural Sumner to Emil Volker and Carolyn (Schmadeke) Volker Anderson. Raised by his mother, Carolyn and stepfather, Earl Anderson, he was the youngest of seven children who have all preceded him in death: Joseph, Orville, Marjory, Merle, Violet, and Daniel.

He graduated from Oelwein Community High School. Known as “Mercury Eddie” in his high school days, he was a force to be reckoned with on the field, earning him a full ride scholarship to the University of Iowa, but because of an injury while working for the railroad the summer before enrollment he decided to accept a scholarship to Upper Iowa University. He led the Oelwein Huskies under the tutelage of his beloved coach, George Dutcher.

The Korean Conflict called him to duty. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly and honorably served his country for six years.

In 1955 he married the “prettiest and smartest girl in town”, Janice Heldt. They owned and operated Volker Brothers Bakery with his brother Dan providing area residents with life long memories of spectacular baked goods.  He also owned and operated The Viking Chalet and later called the Sumner Café.  Eddie owned and operated a business in Sumner for over 50 years. 

His greatest love was hunting and fishing – from the hallowed hills of northeast Iowa, to the Mighty Mississippi, to the sparkling Great Lakes—and all points North. He was intrepid, skilled, and fun. But these trips were not complete without his lifelong buddies by his side.   As a husband, dad, and grandpa he loved to teach those he loved how to play cards, how to fish, and how to hunt whether it was for deer, rabbits,  mushrooms or nuts, he loved being with his family. 

Eddie enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—a good cup of coffee, a good game of cards, and good company. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Sumner Commercial Club, the Sumner Volunteer Fire Department, Thomas E. Woods Post #223, American Legion, and Ducks Unlimited.

He will be deeply missed by those left to celebrate and honor his memory.  His children: Elizabeth (Todd) Heller of Sumner, Anne (Susan Houts) Volker of Des Moines, Melissa (Brad) Bailey of Des Moines, Kurt (Meg) Volker of Sumner, and Kathryn Volker of Morristown, New Jersey. Grandchildren: Bethany, Will, Kaitlin, Sarah, Taylor, Alexis, Hannah, Jillian, and Sydney. Great Grandchildren: William, Mia, and Jorja. Sisters-in-law: Vivian Volker and Betty Volker and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends.

In addition to his siblings and parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 1996.

Ed’s family wishes to offer their sincere gratitude to the medical teams from Sumner, Community Based Home Health, Cedar Valley Hospice,  Allen Hospital, Veteran’s Administration, and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and a community of faithful friends who knew him best as “Eddie Spaghetti”.