Donald Gene Voelker, age 59, of Abbotsford, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at his residence under the tender care of hospice, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2018, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford.
Don was born on December 28, 1958, the son of Stanley and Lois (Morrison) Voelker in Marshfield. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1977.   Donald did farm work for many area farmers, then in 1980, he started working for Harmony Co-op as a feed truck driver.  In 1989, he started working at Phillips Plastics in Medford, as a molding operator.  He held many titles there: paint mixer and paint 1PT, and eventually worked up to a certified paint technician.  This is where he met his wife.  On September 10, 2016, Donald married Tammy Steen.  On March 2017, he started working for Wadal Plastics in Medford until his health declined to force him to resign in November of 2017.
Don was an avid sports fan: Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Bucks.  He played slow pitch softball, pitched horseshoes, shot pool, golfed, and played cards with friends.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, feeding and watching birds in the yard.  Most importantly, Don cherished his family and friends.  You would rarely find him at home on the weekends, he was always out helping friends and enjoying life.
Don is survived by his wife: Tammy; three children: Michael (Bonnie) Voelker of Minneapolis, Keith Voelker of Chippewa Falls, and Carly (Chad Fischer) Frombach; two grandchildren: Aeris and Amara Vivian Voelker; and his parents-in-law: Barbara and Roger Steen of Westboro.  He is further survived by four brothers: Ronald of Unity, David of Unity, Steven (Debbie) of Abbotsford, and Jamie (Jessica) of Abbotsford; five sisters: Tammy (Michael) Sheets of Medford, Lori (Donald) Drinka of Withee, Nancy (Robin) Weiss of Colby, Ann Patz of Milwaukee and Amy Voelker of Eau Claire; and brother-in-law: Tommy Steen (Kristy Heier) of Medford, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Also his beloved Basset Hound, Spike, who never left his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister: Sarah and his brother: Kevin.
Don’s family would like to thank Dr. Mercier, the nursing staff on 8North at Marshfield Medical Center and Ministry Home Care Hospice.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com