Obituary of Rudolph Voelkner

Rudy was born June 3, 1930 to Reinhold and Ida Voelkner. Rudy was the oldest of three brothers, Ted and Erwin, who all grew up in Elcho, Wisconsin.

He served in the Navy during the Korean War and recently participated in an Honor Flight to Washington DC.

Rudy and Virginia (Ginger) Wensel married August 21, 1954. They had four children Kurt (Ann), Mary, Kim (Dan), and Kent (LeighAnne). Nine grandchildren- Megann, Travis, Andrea, Kaila; Rick, Newland, Nicole; and Samantha and Stephen. And six great grandchildren - Jaxson, Sawyer, Lucy, Leia, Sidda and Wren. Rudy is preceded in death by his Wife, his Daughter Mary and his Son Kent.

He taught High School Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy and Earth Science at Denfeld High School where he retired from. He and his sons built a cabin in the woods and later began a tradition of Canadian fishing adventures. One of the many highlights of his life was his participation in the United States 1976 BiCentennial celebration that Duluth created. He was one of three canoe masters, shepherding 24 people in three voyageur canoes, retracing the French Voyagers journey of two centuries ago from Montreal, Canada to Duluth, MN. His children enjoyed his sense of humor at hunting and fishing camps; caring for him as he aged and the conversations over time; and ending days with him watching sports and enjoying a nightcap.

We love and miss you. August 29, 2024

Celebration of Life will be October 12, 3-? At the Lewis residence, 4011 E Van Road, Duluth, MN