Ferd Vollmuth

Ferd G. Vollmuth, 86, former long-time resident of Atlantic passed away at his home in Ankeny on Monday, May 22, 2007. The son of Georg and Bertha Vollmuth, Ferd was born in Kiel, Germany on April 17, 1921. At the age of two, he and his parents and twin sister Helen emigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island and moved to Walnut, under the sponsorship of Ferdinand Groepper, his mother's uncle. Ferd married Norma Jean Cook on Sept. 5, 1943 in Oakland. In his younger days, he farmed with his father in the Minden/Avoca area. In 1945 he moved to Atlantic and worked for many years for Walnut Grove in both Atlantic and West Liberty. Upon retirement from Walnut Grove in 1968, he began working for Beaudine Manufacturing as a long-haul semi driver, and later as a route driver for the Atlantic News Telegraph. After the death of his wife in 2003 he moved to Ankeny. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who brought great joy to his family. Everyone liked Ferd. His easy manner, sense of humor, and contagious optimism endeared him to all. He was a special friend to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and often surprised and entertained them with his stories, his youthful energy, and his crazy antics. An avid sports fan, he raised three Atlantic Trojan athletes and loved to play cards, fish and dance. Ferd is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His children include Linda and Duane Harris of Plymouth, Minn.; Jim and Brenda Vollmuth of Denver, Colo.; and Ken and Shelley Vollmuth of Ankeny, along with his daughter-in-law Vicki Vollmuth of Omaha, Neb.; His grandchildren are Stephanie Harris of Savage, Minn.; Allison and Curt Ingham of Ankeny; Chris and Julie Vollmuth of Omaha, Neb.; Jennifer and Ben McKenzie of Omaha, Neb.; Melissa and Nathan Croom of Omaha, Neb.; Matt Vollmuth and fiancee Katie Deminski of Omaha, Neb.; Jamie and Lindsey Vollmuth of Littleton, Colo.; and Emily Vollmuth of Ankeny. His great-grandchildren are Harrison and Campbell Ingham, Grace and Lucy Vollmuth, and Madeline McKenzie. Other surviving relatives include brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Velma Wheeler of Villisca; Marilyn and Don Weber of Leesburg, Fla.; Cleo Cook of Atlantic; Don and Marilyn Cook of Atlantic; Rosalee Cook of Atlantic; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Norma, his son Lyle, and two sisters, Helen Grobe and Lorene Norman.Funeral InformationIN MEMORY OFFerd G. VollmuthBorn April 7, 1921Kiel, GermanyDATE OF DEATHTuesday May 22, 2007At the age of86 years, 1 month, and 5 daysFUNERAL SERVICESaturday, May 26, 2007Roland Funeral HomeAtlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGPastor Gary DeGeestFirst United Methodist ChurchAtlantic, IowaMUSICAL SELECTIONSIn The GardenAmazing GraceThe Lords PrayerSINGERRandall BreckerbaumerORGANISTEileen DenneSPECIAL MUSICYou Raised Me UpSarah Masker and J.T. BakerGreat-niece and Great-nephewBEARERS Ken Vollmuth Jim Vollmuth Duane Harris Chris Vollmuth Matt Vollmuth Alan GrobeIN CHARGE OF FLOWERSDick & Lori CookTyler & Deb BakerCONCLUDING SERVICESThe interment will take place at the Atlantic Cemetery in Atlantic, IowaLUNCHEONThe family invites friends to join them for a luncheon, following the committal service, at the First United Methodist Church.