Franklin August Voelker
March 27, 1938 – July 4, 2026
Franklin August Voelker, age 88, of Maryville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 4, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his family.
Born on March 27, 1938, in Mason, Illinois, Frank was the son of the late Reinhardt Paul and Caroline (née Alwardt) Voelker. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle and educator whose faith and family were the cornerstones of his life.
Frank met the love of his life, Carolyn R. Lichtenwald, while they were both students at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL. They were united in marriage on July 22, 1962. Together, they built a life filled with love, service and laughter that spanned 63+ years.
A life-long Lutheran, Frank answered the call to ministry through education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in 1962 and his master’s degree in 1969, both from Concordia Teachers College. For nearly 40 years, he served as a teacher and/or principal in Lutheran elementary schools across the Midwest, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri and Illinois. His passion for shaping young minds and his commitment to Christian education left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, Frank dedicated himself to the church and community. He was an active and faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, where he served as chairman of the congregation and on numerous boards and committees. He found great joy in his work as a Faith In Action driver, the SID Older Adult Committee, OWLS (Older, Wiser Lutherans), and Laborers for Christ. In his free time, he enjoyed listening to KMOX, watching Cardinals baseball games, reading and gardening.
In early May, Frank was diagnosed with lung cancer. He faced this final challenge with courage and faith, spending his last weeks at home, surrounded by family and under the care of hospice.
Frank is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Dawn Ellen (Corbin) Bristow and Deric Gene (Sophia) Voelker. He was a proud grandfather to Tyler Bristow, Dylan Bristow, Emily Voelker, Rebecca Voelker, Zane Voelker and Zoe Voelker. He is also survived by his sisters, Elvera (Wayne) Franzen and Elnor (Ron) Burton, and sister-in-law, Shere (Roger) Lichtenwald.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dean Alan Voelker; his brother, Charles Voelker; brothers-in-law, Richard Lichtenwald, Roger Lichtenwald and Wayne Franzen; and sister-in-law, Judith Voelker.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your master.'” — Matthew 25:23
After a lifetime of faithful service to his Lord, family and community, Frank now rests in the arms of his Savior.
Visitation was held at Barry Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, July 10 and funeral service was at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville on Saturday, July 11. Burial was in Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, Collinsville.
Memorial contributions in Frank’s honor may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Metro-East Lutheran High School, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Concordia University Chicago (River Forest, IL) or Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, MO). They may also be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
