Howard Will Voelker (90) of Rural Altamont

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday July 14, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm, with funeral services beginning at 3:00 PM at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altamont, Illinois. The Rev. Marcus Manley will be officiating. The VFW Post #7676 , American Legion Post #512 and the US NAVY Funeral Honors will provide Military burial rites at Union Cemetery Altamont following the funeral services.

Howard Will Voelker was born into the Christian family of Samuel and Minnie (Will) Voelker on July 28, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1935 the three returned to Altamont and Howard grew up on the same farm where he would later raise his own family. He confirmed his faith at the Immanuel Lutheran Church and graduated from Altamont High School in 1951.

He proudly served his country by joining the US Navy with induction on February 14, 1952. He served with the Helicopter Squadron One (HU-1), serving in Korea. The Squadron received the Presidential Unit Citation by pioneering in the deployment of helicopters under combat conditions, participating in every battle against the enemy throughout this period.  AT3 Howard received his honorable discharge on February 3, 1956. 

While in the service Howard married the love of his life, Helen Blomberg of Farina, Illinois on March 11, 1955, in San Diego, California. After his naval discharge, the couple returned to the Voelker farm to enjoy life together for the next 62 years. Helen preceded him in death June 12, 2017.

While his main occupation was farming, he also served as manager of the Altamont Lumber Company from 1984 to 2004, where he enjoyed working alongside his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. Howard was a lifelong member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served on the school board of the Lutheran School. He was also a member of the Altamont VFW Post #7676. 

Howard was a loving father and grandfather who always supported his family. He loved the farming life and was skilled in all aspects of the job including carpentry, mechanical and electrical work, and construction. Howard enjoyed traveling and watching sunsets with Helen, birdwatching, photography and was an avid reader.

Howard is survived by his son Andrew (Melissa Suckow) Voelker, and daughter Connie (Mark) Mankin, both of Altamont; seven grandchildren; Bridget (Brad) Jones of Mt. Zion; Sara (Charles) Hutchison of Pekin; Benjamin (Stephanie) Voelker of Effingham, Staff Sgt. Brandon Voelker of Fort Liberty, NC,  Adam Mankin, Brady Voelker and Eric Voelker,  all of Altamont. Five great-grandchildren; Brittany Voelker, Sean Hutchison, Scarlet Hutchison, Myla Voelker and Ella Voelker; and two great-great- grandchildren.  
Preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Joe Voelker (d. 2016), and grandson in infancy Jason Mankin.

Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church After School Program. Online condolences may be expressed at www.kullfuneralhome.com