Burt Austin Volkening was born the son of William Volkening and Fern Crawford Volkening on June 12, 1924 in Macomb County, Michigan and departed this life on August 12, 2011 in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 87 years.
He was united in marriage July 21, 1946 at Indianapolis, Indiana to Carol Louise Pepper, who preceded him in death March 5, 1996.
He is survived by three children, Richard Volkening and wife, Susan of Fort Gratiot, Michigan, Thomas Volkening of Eagle, Michigan and Jane Chesham and husband, David of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren; several great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one brother, Wilbur Volkening of Gaylord, Michigan; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Fern Volkening; his wife, Carol Louise Volkening; one great grandson, Travis Stone; one brother, William Volkening and one infant sister.
Mr. Volkening was a decorated Veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country during World War II. He received numerous awards and medals including the EAME Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and also the Good Conduct and Victory Medals.
He was a millwright, working for the New Haven Foundry in Michigan for many years.
Burt was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was actively involved in the Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Citizens Center and enjoyed greeting everyone at the door as they arrived.
He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and brother. He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother David Case officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday evening, 6:00 to 8:00 PM and from 12:00 noon until service time on Wednesday. Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.