33 thoughts on “Joseph Edward Voelkl 1924-2008

  1. Like everyone else, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad.
    I hope you and your family find some comfort and peace in this time of sadness.

  2. Cynthia, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope the wonderful memories of your father stay in your heart forever and give you strength and warmth, always.

  3. I’m so sorry you lost your father. I hope his memory is a blessing to you and your boys. I really feel for your mother. How difficult it must be to lose her spouse so quickly.

  4. Cynthia, I am so sorry. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  5. Cynthia,
    The stories you related about your father inspired me. He showed great courage throughout his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  6. Cynthia, I’m so sorry for your loss. I ever met the man, but found him so endearing through the stories you told in your posts, even through the hard times. You and the entire family have my condolences, best wishes and prayers.

  7. Dear Cynthia, I am so sorry for your (and your family’s) loss. Hopefully you will all remember the good times and the more challenging ones will blur. My thoughts go to you and your family.

  8. When Great Trees Fall by Maya Angelou
    When great trees fall,
    rocks on distant hills shudder,
    lions hunker down
    in tall grasses,
    and even elephants
    lumber after safety.
    When great trees fall
    in forests,
    small things recoil into silence,
    their senses
    eroded beyond fear.
    When great souls die,
    the air around us becomes
    light, rare, sterile.
    We breathe, briefly.
    Our eyes, briefly,
    see with
    a hurtful clarity.
    Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
    examines,
    gnaws on kind words
    unsaid,
    promised walks
    never taken.
    Great souls die and
    our reality, bound to
    them, takes leave of us.
    Our souls,
    dependent upon their
    nurture,
    now shrink, wizened.
    Our minds, formed
    and informed by their
    radiance,
    fall away.
    We are not so much maddened
    as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
    of dark, cold
    caves.
    And when great souls die,
    after a period peace blooms,
    slowly and always
    irregularly. Spaces fill
    with a kind of
    soothing electric vibration.
    Our senses, restored, never
    to be the same, whisper to us.
    They existed. They existed.
    We can be. Be and be
    better. For they existed.
    I’m so sorry for your loss. I will give those precious boys an extra dose of care and comfort this week. God bless you all.
    PM

  9. He sounded like a great man that lived a fantastic loving life. Although, I am sure he wished he could have better told you just how much you meant to him. A bush and a peck for sure.
    Ernie, I hope surgery went well… I can’t imagine the week you are going through…
    We are available for any kid drop offs you guys need.
    Sad, and thinking of you,
    Matt & Beth

  10. Cynthia I just happened to come to check on you today – I am so so so sorry to read that your father has passed away. I have no words and know how you feel. Just want you to know that here in Australia I am thinking of you and shedding a tear.

  11. Cynthia,
    I am so sorry about your father. I will be thinking of you and your family and sending good wishes and prayers your way.
    Here is to his life and spirit,
    Paul

  12. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I loved seeing the memorial picture of him, and I know how much he meant to you. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Call me/email me when and if you want. I will say good prayers for you.

  13. Sweet Pea, I don’t even know what to say. I am so shocked to hear this news, Anne told me before I even checked in today. I know your heart is hurting and I am hugging you from here. Love, prayers and hope. I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart

  14. Oh Cynthia,
    Take strength from the supporting messages of love we are all sending you. It helps to smile and laugh when remembering his life, as you will in the coming days.

  15. Cynthia, I have looked at your father’s beautiful face many times today and I see Leo in his eyes. Wonderful, sweet, brown eyed Leo.

  16. Oh, I’m so very sorry. I wish you support and comfort. That was a beautiful tribute you did to your dad a couple of years ago.

  17. Cynthia, I am so very, very sorry about your father. Tears are shed here in Colorado for him. I can’t believe how much you have to deal with right now. I am so glad that Ernie’s surgery went well and he will be feeling better. I am sending prayers your way, take care, Tracy

  18. Oh Cynthia! I’m so sorry. Ditto to the eloquent comments above, and thank you for sharing these true love stories of your family – they are beautiful and inspiring.

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