Submitted by Dan Rich

William I. Vollmer

Feb. 18, 1925 -- Nov. 13, 2003

South Bend Tribune 11/20/2003

William I. Vollmer, 78, of Tulip Rd., New Carlisle, Ind., passed away on Nov. 13, in Hamilton Grove Nursing Home, New Carlisle after an illness. William was born on Feb. 18, 1925, in South Bend, Ind., as the son of the late Oscar Jacob and Lenora Elizabeth (Beaver) Vollmer. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles Vollmer; and a daughter, Kimberly.

On April 3, 1948, in Mishawaka, Ind., he married the former Harriet Van Driessche. William is survived by his wife, Harriet; four daughters, Kay (James) Collins of South Bend, Joyce (Michael) Van Sickle of Paw Paw, Mich., Debbie Van Wanzeele of New Carlisle and Cynthia (Robert) Wolavka of New Carlisle; two sons, Albert (Linda) Vollmer of Rolling Prairie, Ind., and Alfred (Jenelle) Vollmer of LaPorte, Ind. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, Shelley (Tim), Scott (Sarah), Sarah, Benjamin, Christopher, Kimberly, Matthew, Michael, Lisa (Robert), Anita (Andy), Jennifer (Brad), Elizabeth, Kirk, Brian, April, Nicholas, Robin, Angie and William; six great-grandchildren, Victoria, Bradley, Haley, Ali, Alyssa and Mia; three step great-grandchildren, Maya, Elisha and Ryliegh; a sister, Minnie Del (Alfred) Rodts of Beverly Hills, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Maxine Vollmer; and three brothers, Oscar of Mishawaka, Elmer Leroy (Thera) of Dowagiac, Mich., and Ralph (Barbara) of South Bend. Bill was a kind and caring husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He always put his family first after God. Bill was an avid bow hunter, snowmobiler and golfer. He had a life-long love of music playing by ear the violin, harmonica, accordion and squeezebox. Family and friends enjoyed his wonderful personality and great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed but not forgotten. William was employed at J.C. Lauber Sheet Metal Journeyman with the Union Local 20 until his retired in 1987. He was a lifetime area resident and he served his country during World War II with the United States Coast Guard. He was a member of "River Park"-Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Local 20 Union and the American Legion #297 in New Carlisle.

As per William's request there will be no viewing. There will be a memorial service in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 805 S. 29th Street, South Bend at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 with Rev. John Paul Salay officiating, where you can visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 805 S. 29th St., South Bend, IN 46615 or to the charity of the donor's choice.