The eldest of five siblings, Lee grew-up on his family’s farm in Humboldt and was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church. He graduated from Johnson High School and was the first in his family to attend college at The University of Nebraska where he received a Bachelor’s in Dairy Science. He received his Master’s of Science in Dairy Husbandry Management from the University of Missouri and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.
Lee was united in marriage to Jeanette Louise Hake on August 27, 1966 and they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last year. They enjoyed traveling internationally and spending time with friends and family. Lee was a loving, kind and quick-witted husband, father, brother, friend and grandfather. He often hosted friends and family and always had a joke or an engaging story to share. He lead an abundant life helping and serving others. He strongly believed in donating time and resources to his community and volunteered at Sheridan Lutheran Church, Nebraska Humane Society and Bridges To Hope.
Lee’s career as a veterinarian spanned many years starting with the Midvale Veterinary Clinic in Nelliston, NY that he built and owned. He eventually moved back to Nebraska and worked for Norden Labs, SmithKline Beecham Animal Health, Pfizer and the University of Nebraska. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association and kept in close contact with many friends from veterinary school. Lee’s true passion was spending time working on the original Volker homestead in Humboldt, NE. He enjoyed driving tractors, cutting wood and farming. He was a hard worker and loved being active outdoors.
Lee is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jeanette Volker of Walton, NE; children: Neil Volker and wife Erika of Papillion, NE; Stacy Wilson and husband Jeff of Ridgewood, NJ; grandchildren: Reagan Volker of Papillion, NE; Tate and Thayer Wilson of Ridgewood, NJ; brothers: Ken Volker and wife Janet of Ft. Meyers, FL; Keith Volker and wife Susan of Lincoln, NE; sister: Carlene Falos and husband Bob of Lincoln, NE; sisters-in-law: Brenda Volker of Webster, FL; Susan Kreifels of Olathe, KS; Karlyn Hake of Wichita, KS; brothers-in-law: Les Hake and wife Teresa of Grand Island, NE; Lawrence Hake; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Lenora Volker, his brother Merlin Volker, and nephew Brice Volker.
Funeral services will be at 10:30am Saturday, March 19, 2022 with lunch at 11:30 at Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln Nebraska. Pastor Greg Bouvier officiating.
Visitation from 1:00-8:00pm with family present 5:00-8:00pm on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 4300 O Street Lincoln, Nebraska.
Interment at 3:00pm Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. James Lutheran Church/Long Branch Cemetery, Humboldt, Nebraska.
Memorial donations to Food Bank of Lincoln, Bridges To Hope and University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine.