William C. "Bill" Volkmer

Memorial services for Bill will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at the St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Exeter. Private family graveside services will follow the funeral in the Exeter Cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2015 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Exeter. Memorials are directed to the family for later designation. William Charles Volkmer was born on July 6, 1957 at York Hospital, York, NE to Ervin & Jean (Becker) Volkmer. Bill was the fifth of seven children. He passed away at home on December 31, 2014, after a 24 year battle with cancer, at the age of 57 years, 5 months, and 24 days. Bill is survived by his wife Terri (Petersen) Volkmer of Exeter; brothers and sisters and their spouses: Dennis & Kathy Volkmer of York, NE, Ann & John Copple of Lincoln, NE, Mary & Bruce Kiederling, Chesapeake, VA, John & Debbie Volkmer of York, NE, Sara & Fred Analla of Athens, IL; Brother-in-law Jerry Petersen of Exeter; father and mother-in-law Wayne & Gladys Petersen of Republican City, NE. Bill was blessed with 11 nieces and nephews who he had many great times with and he was also blessed with 4 Godchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Tom. Bill attended Exeter Elementary School and was a 1975 graduate of Exeter High School. Bill always made time to spend time with family and see a friend. He was a hardworking man that saw that everyone was helped and treated fairly. His vitality and insight was always put to use whether moving dirt with a backhoe or loader, or climbing into his semi and driving many miles to deliver seed or steel. He worked as a welder and loved to show people his work. Many plans to make things for his wife were put off for, as Bill would say “our” retirement years. He said that with an endearing smile and a pat on Terri’s shoulder. The annual ‘Bill & Terri Pumpkin Painting Event’ was something he truly enjoyed, but during setup you’d always hear him say, “This is the last one!” When the children would come around with their decorated pumpkins, Bill would tell them what a great pumpkin they had created and “We’ll see you next year!” Many children and young people were drawn to Bill. He was gentle, laid back, undemanding, but most of all he listened. As a husband and best friend to his wife, he was amazing and admirable. His ability to live one day at a time and love to the fullest will forever be his gift to Terri. Bill appreciated and felt truly blessed for his family and friends. He expressed this each and every day while battling multiple forms of cancer throughout his life. He worried about everyone. If someone was sick or struggling in some way, he felt it was his responsibility to help, and he did so without any fanfare. That was never his way. When the time came that he was the one receiving visitors, cards, calls and food, he was humbled. He always said after each gift, card or visit, “We are lucky to have so many great people in our life.” Bill’s indomitable spirit has encouraged his family and friends to persist in the face of many struggles. We will miss Bill each day, but he will be alive in all we do as we all live one day at a time.

Tributes

William C. "Bill" Volkmer

July 6, 1957 - December 31, 2014