Joseph Volmar

Joseph H. "Joe" Volmar, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great friend to many passed away unexpectedly at home Monday, January 15, 2007. He had been recently fighting the long term effects of previous pneumonia.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Parents in law, Albert and Mabel Munroe, daughter in law Debra Volmar 4/8/92, Son Eric Volmar 12/20/95, Son Mark Volmar 1/25/96 and most recently wife Patricia 6/30/06. He is survived by Sons Paul (Gerri) Volmar and Kurt Volmar along with 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Born March 24, 1927 in Mayen,Germany to Fritz and Gertrude Volmar, he first emigrated to the U.S. at age 4 in 1931. After his father moved back to Germany at the start of WWII, Joe and "Mutti" soon followed. His parents soon divorced and Joe and Mutti just hoped to survive the brutality and destruction and get back to America. With luck and God's will, their dream came true and they emigrated back to the U.S. in 1951 for good. After meeting our mother Patricia when she worked for United Air Lines and he had much contact with her as an employee of Avis Rent-A-Car, they married in 1953 and started their family. Employment with Greyhound Rent-A-Car took him to Pittsburgh, the fast food business to the Cleveland and Port Clinton area and finally they settled in Erie Michigan in the early 60's when he opened Art Linkletter Dancing School which eventually evolved, into Young World Pre School and Day Care Center. After a stint selling Code-A-Phone telephone answering equipment it all changed in January of 1971 when Joe started Cabinetpak Kitchens which evolved into our well known Volmar's Kitchen and Bath Center. That business basically supported the entire family and for years was the largest retail installation operation for kitchen and bathrooms. After 20 years the old business was sold and Joe retired and became busier yet with his involvement in S.C.O.R.E. (volunteer organization for retirees to mentor new business people), ASC (Adrian Soaring Club) he was a certified glider pilot and also owned his own motor glider. He also helped took care of the club newsletter along with other functions. He received many awards due to his dedication. Joe wrote a biography of his life titled " I learned to Fly or Hitler" which basically covered his life starting on the boat back to Germany in 1940 and continued until his final remigration back to the U.S. in 1953. He was employed by the U.S. Air Force as a criminal investigator in Germany when the war was over and was also active in the Air Force Reserve after settling in the Detroit in the 1950's. The book gives a very unique glimpse of the war through the eyes of a teenager that experienced everything including starvation, devastation, escaping the Russians after being wounded and lots of other experiences. Joe loved spending time enjoying the homestead in the woods of Dundee. Wildlife, trail riding, wood cutting, boating and being the ultimate "teacher" to everyone that was lucky enough to share his life. The world is a lesser place but our loss is heaven's gain. Thank goodness for all the memories of a wonderful man- We're much better people for the opportunity to spend part of our lives with him. We love you and enjoy "The Wild Blue Yonder"

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 26, 2007 at the Washington Township Fire Hall, 2469 Shoreland, Point Place from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow (casual dress).

An expression of Sympathy may be made at www.newcomerfamily.com.

In lieu of flowers Joe's book will be on sale with proceeds going to a youth flying education group
to be determined.