Vernon C. Voelkers, age 78, of Durant, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at his home. A celebration of life was held from 3-6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Durant American Legion. Burial will take place at a later date in Durant Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Durant Firefighters Inc. in his memory. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Vernon was born on June 8, 1945, the son of John and Maxine (Umbdenstock) Voelkers in Davenport. He graduated from Durant High School with the Class of 1964. Vern married his high school sweetheart, Donna Guyer, on April 3, 1965, in Durant.
Vern started his plumbing career with Nordurft Plumbing in Durant. Vern and Donna established Voelkers Plumbing in 1976. Vern worked alongside his son, Tim, until retiring in 2014. After retiring, Vern worked for Schwartz Excavating. He was a 25-year member of the Durant Firefighters, serving as fire chief for six years. Vern enjoyed outdoors, especially boating, fishing and camping on the Cedar River. He also enjoyed classic cars, especially Corvettes, and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.
Vern will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna; two sons, Jeff (Wendy) Voelkers of Fishersville, Va., and Tim (Emily) Voelkers of Durant; four grandchildren, Chase Voelkers, Carter Voelkers, Katie Voelkers and Ashley Dzvonick; a sister, Linda Danielson of Davenport; and two brothers-in-law, Wayne (Jan) Guyer and Larry (Diane) Guyer.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Brian Voelkers; his step-mother, Alice Voelkers; his mother and father-in-law Harry and Audrey Guyer; step-sister and brother-in-law Merna and Ed Behnke.
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