John Henry Volz, age 85 passed away on September 28, 2024. He was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Friday October 4, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minnesota Lake, MN. Visitation will be on Thursday October 3, 2024 at Nasinec Funeral home in Wells, MN from 4:00-7:00 PM and will continue one hour prior (9:30am-10:30am) to the service on Friday. Interment will be at the Catholic Cemetery in Minnesota Lake.
He was the son of Mathias and Magdeline (Sonnek) Volz. John was born in Faribault County at the Frank and Carolyn Sonnek farm, on February 12, 1939. That was the beginning of his farming roots. John loved farming and anything that had to do with farming. He truly was born to be a farmer. He was especially fond of red (IH)farm equipment.
John graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1956. He met the love of his life Christine (Chris)Moore in 1962. They were married August 17th,1963. Into this marriage was born one son, John (Jack) P. Volz.
John had a heart as big as the land he farmed. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Often playing tricks on others. He was also the recipient of many pranks. He always said, “I don’t get even, I get ahead.” John retired from farming the first time in 1999. He went back to work on the farm in 2012, working for his nephew Roger. He retired the second time in 2017.
John was a clown in the Festag parade for 67 years. He also served as Santa Clause and was a prolific wooden toy maker. He made thousands of toys and donated them all. He served on the Minnesota Lake City Council and belonged to the MN. Lake Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Chris, son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Dora Volz; brother, Marc (Sherry) Volz; sisters-in law; Maureen (Jim) Runquist, Barbara Berry and Maribeth (Steve)Brummer, Brother-in-law, Orland Drager and many nieces and nephews.
John was proceeded in death by his parents; brother Jim (Betty) , (Mary), sisters; Virginia Drager and Agnes Linder, and brother-in law Francis Linder.
The Volz family wishes to thank the people with St. Croix Hospice, Synergy, and the staff at The Pillars for their excellent care and support.
Jim and I are very sorry for your loss. We have some wonderful memories of time spent with the two of you. We are thinking of you, Chris, and your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Volz family – so sorry to read of John’s passing….we remember him from our days on the farm also and seeing him around town. May your
memories give you strength in these days and most especially knowing he is now with our Savior….
So sorry to hear of John’s passing!! Chris you and I were classmates who graduated from Minn. Lake High School in 1961. Rejoice because he lived a long and full life. God bless!!!
Chris, I am so very sorry for your loss! John was such a kind and caring man, and he will be missed by so many! My thoughts and prayers are with you even though I am unable to be there this week. Sending hugs until I can do so in person!
Chris so sorry to hear about Johns passing God will watch over you
Chris and Jack,
Sorry to read of your loss. John and I had some good visits. Remember him also loving to display his entire miniature agriculture display at the Freeborn couny fair. He did love farming.
Bless you all.
Arnie Mulso
Apache Junction, AZ
What great person John was he was always kind and inviting. I enjoyed going out to Min lake to visit, I knew we were in for a some fun and laughs.
My sympathies to you, it is hard losing someone you love
Chris and Jack,
Cousin John was a bright, funny, caring, always-smiling, wonderful member of our family. My mom (Cal Verna Wilfahrt) certainly loved him alot. He made her laugh and reminded her of her dad, John Volz. Our prayers and hearts are with you all.
Chris and Jack,
My deepest sympathy to you and all of John’s loved ones. He was such a wonderful cousin! I still recall my last visit to Minn. Lake, a road trip from here in WA to MN. in Sept. 2017. He was carving the most amazing wooden toys, to be sent to Missions in Mexico/Central &/or South
America. What talent, generosity & love John had! My only regret is that I was only able to see him about a half dozen times over the years. But each time was so special.
May he Rest in Eternal Peace with his previously departed loved ones.
And may God bless and grant peace & comfort to you and his other loved ones.
With deepest sympathy,
Roberta (Volz) Uno