Rodger Voelker Obituary

Voelker
Rodger Voelker
February 23, 1939
April 15, 2025

Rodger L. Voelker joined his beloved wife Judy in everlasting life on April 15, 2025. Rodger was born of Walter and Serena Voelker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spent his last days on his homestead in Palmer Lake, Colorado, surrounded by his family. Rodger was preceded in death by his daughter Ann Marie, wife Judith, brother Boyd Voelker, and nephew Eric Berg.
Rodger is survived by his daughter Beverly Voelker (Rust), son Kurt, grandchildren Kyah, Ayla, Ryder Lee Voelker, Jorden, Tyler, Tiffani (Tyler) Rust and his great-granddaughter (and biggest Pappy fan) Brooklin Judith Rust. He also stayed deeply ingrained in the lives of his nieces Kristina (Berg) Distel, Lily (Berg) Gaspar, Emily Berg, and nephew Dustin Hitt. His wisdom will continue to be spread far and wide.
Rodger served in the military 1957-1963. His service began with training at Fort Carson, which ignited his passion for mountain living. He served 2 years in Germany as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic before serving the remainder of his time in the US Army Reserves. During his enlistment he was awarded decorations as a marksman and sharpshooter.
Rodger began his career as a stone mason with an apprenticeship under his (soon to be) father-in-law Harvy Brown. Soon the apprenticeship became the partnership of Brown and Voelker Mason Contractors. He then grabbed his bride, moved to Palmer Lake, started Voelker Masonry, and never stopped building. He and Judy came to Colorado from Wisconsin in 1965, looking for a mountain life full of hunting and fishing, which they both enjoyed. They built that life in Palmer Lake.
Soon after the flood in '65 he joined the Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department and continued protecting the community even after he stepped down from PLVFD in his early 60's. During these years he inherited the longstanding holiday tradition of being chief wassail maker and a major feature of the Yule Log Celebration.
When Rodger put down his commercial trowel in 1989, he began an 11-year career at Synthes in Monument, expanding his contractor relationships to now include co-worker friendships and a new type of camaraderie.
As Rodger neared retirement he started commercial sewing, first just for friends, then as a businessman. He also volunteered through 2024 as a docent for the Palmer Lake Historical Society and enjoyed sharing stories of the past and present with all that toured the Lucretia Vaile Museum. Rodger continually contributed to the community's longevity and enrichment, including the stone pillars welcoming all to the town of Palmer Lake.
Rodger portrayed himself as a rough and tough man, which he was, but once you got to know him, he had the softest, warmest heart and cared so deeply for those around him. He was a man of many skills and roles, all of which were expressed in how he operated on this earth. A mentor to some and an inspiration to many, he looked for the best in others and gave the best he had and will always be remembered for the husband, father, and friend he was.
In lieu of flowers or donations as per the request of the Voelker family, please give an unexpected gift or perform a good deed for a loved one or stranger. Memorial services to be announced.