Occupation: Handelsmann(Tradesman), Kappenmacher(Cap maker)
After spending several years in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), George Volk left his family farm near Selfridge, N.D., in February of 1942 to serve in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He spent two years overseas in the Pacific Theater and was in the battle of Luzon in the Philippines. He was awarded the American Theater Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Service Star and the World War II Victory Medal. He was discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant on Dec. 15, 1945. He returned to the family farm near Selfridge, married and farmed there with his wife for approximately 45 years before moving to Mobridge in October of 1987. George had been in failing health for about the last year and a half. Last Sunday he fell and broke his hip getting out of bed at his home and it was too much for him. He died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Mobridge Regional Hospital at the age of 86. As the ninth child of George and Barbara (Miller) Volk, he was born Feb. 26, 1917, in Linton, N.D. In 1922, the family moved to a farm southwest of Selfridge where he grew up with his 10 brothers and sisters. Times were hard but they always had food to eat, clothes to wear and a warm place to sleep. All the children in the family had to work hard and help with the chores on the farm. George attended the rural Golden Wealth School about a mile and a half from his home. He worked on the family farm until he entered the CCC in July of 1936 and served until September of 1938. At that time he returned home and worked on the farm until re-enlisting in the CCC in October 1939, serving until March 1940. While in the CCC, George operated heavy machinery working on projects in Fargo, N.D., Mohall, N.D., and in Boyes, Mont. While in the army, he bought a farm four miles south of Selfridge. He had lived not far from Agnes Silbernagel growing up but had not met her until after the war. They were married on June 22, 1948. It was a big day when electricity came to their farm three years later and the first thing she wanted (and got) was a sewing machine. The blizzard of 1966 was one of the most memorable events of their life on the farm. Three of the children were in school in Selfridge when the storm roared in and they were stranded there for a week until they could get home. Fortunately, they had friends to stay with. Their son Martin, a first grader, happened to be home with chicken pox at the time. The electricity was off for a couple days at the farm and they kept warm by closing off all but the living room which they kept warm with a kerosene heater. They considered themselves lucky because they didn't lose any cattle to the storm as many did. George always enjoyed farming. Even while in college, their daughter Bonnie enjoyed riding in the buggy with dad when she was home and he shared the enjoyment. A quiet, gentle, easy-going man, he couldn't leave his gardening even after moving to Mobridge. He would raise a big potato crop which he would always share with others. His faith was always strong. In recent years he enjoyed reading, watching television, and helping his sons with their projects. He leaves his wife Agnes of Mobridge; four sons and their wives, Tom and JuneAnne Volk, Jim and Cindi Volk, all of Mobridge, and Mike Volk and Marty Volk, both of Selfridge; one daughter, Bonnie and husband Glenn Weigel of Bismarck, N.D.; six grandchildren, Tom Volk Jr., Joe Volk, Seth Volk, Kristen Volk, Sarah Weigel and Kelsey Weigel; and great-grandchildren, Mary Grace, Olivia, David, Levi and Summer Volk; one brother, Bert Volk of Selfridge; and one sister, Elizabeth Volk of Strasburg, N.D. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Connie; brothers, Emmanuel, Albinus, Joe, Tony, Frank and Matt; and sisters Katie and Rose. Mass of Christian Burial for George was celebrated this morning, Tuesday, Dec. 23, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge. Father Brian Simon was celebrant. The offertory was by Kelsey and Sarah Weigel. Lectors were Barbara Welder and Eileen Dolecheck. The Euchristic minister was Glenn Weigel. Organist was Marge Mertz. The church choir sang "On Eagles Wings," "Be Not Afraid," "I Am the Bread of Life," "Song of Farewell" and "Holy God We Praise Thy Name." Flutists were Sarah and Kelsey Weigel. Casketbearers were David Volk, Jim Volk, Alvin Volk, Joe Volk, Jim Silbernagel and Alan Silbernagel. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery at Mobridge under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.