Alfred Volz, 93
Alfred L. Volz, 93, of Highland, formerly of Alhambra, died on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 at his daughter’s home, surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17 and on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, with the Rev. Jerry Amiri, senior pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery in Alhambra. Meridith Funeral Home in Highland is in charge of arrangements.
He was born on March 15, 1922 to John and Sophia (Eilers) Volz in Alhambra. On June 15, 1946, he married Betty Barnes at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra. She passed away on Aug. 8, 2015.
Mr. Volz was raised in Alhambra. He went to Alhambra Grade School and graduated from St. Jacob High School. He worked at “Big Store,” Alhambra Lumber Yard and the egg plant in Highland.
He then went into the Army in November 1942 and served until November 1945. He received a battlefield promotion during World War II to second lieutenant with the 751th Tank Battalion.
After his service, he started working at the Alhambra Grain and Feed bean plant. He then went to work for Granite City Steel for three years. In 1965, he started work as a grounds man at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the very early days of the university. He retired from SIUE in 1987.
Mr. Volz was also a volunteer firefighter on the Alhambra Fire Department for 25 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, mowing grass, bird watching, storytelling and hunting.
Mr. Volz had a strong relationship with Christ and lived a life where others were always put first. He loved to serve others, again a testament to his relationship with his Heavenly Father.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, David L. Volz, who died on June 2, 2012; a brother, Wilmer Volz; and sisters, Violeta Hosto and Thelma Schallenberg.
He is survived by a daughter, Nancy J. Taylor of Highland; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Volz of Edwardsville; grandchildren, Todd (Trina) Volz, Travis (Shannon) Volz and Derrick (Ailee) Taylor; six great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Salem United Church of Christ or Hitz Memorial Home.
This story was originally published August 17, 2015 at 5:56 AM with the headline "Alfred Volz, 93."