Robert "Bob" Voelker

Robert Otto “Bob” Voelker, age 94, Grand Forks, formerly of Niagara, ND, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Bob was born on February 8, 1932, to Phillip and Edna (Vogel) Voelker near Niagara, North Dakota. He graduated from Niagara High School and proudly served in the Air National Guard for two years.

Following his service, he returned home to the family farm, where he spent his life doing what he loved most.

On October 12, 1957, he married Shirley Johnson in Crookston, Minnesota. Together they built a wonderful life rooted in family and farming, raising three daughters: Kathy, Theresa, and Roberta ‘Robin’.

Bob had a deep love for farming and often said he never worked a day in his life because he truly enjoyed what he did. His strong work ethic, humble nature, and dedication to the land were evident throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, where he generously shared his talents through numerous carpentry projects and faithfully served as a church trustee for many years. He also dedicated time to serving his community as a member of the Plymouth Township Board.

Bob was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and wonderful sense of humor. He loved making people laugh and could always be counted on for a joke, a story, or a playful tease. His laughter and lighthearted spirit brought joy to countless family gatherings and everyday moments.

Above all else, Bob cherished his family. Whether holding a baby, sitting on the floor entertaining children, or visiting with family around the table, he found his greatest happiness in the people he loved. To many, he was affectionately known as Papa Bob, a name that reflected the warmth, kindness, and love he shared so freely with everyone around him.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kathy (Dennis) Dalbey and Roberta ‘Robin’ Carlson; his grandchildren, Jason (Samantha) Dalbey, Riley (Kayla) Dalbey, Kendra (Curtis) Hensley, Kayla Kastner, BriAnna Thompson (Carson Fuller), Samantha Huso, Holly (Travis) Stegman, and Whitney (Sam) Otto; his 16 great-grandchildren; his sister, Lois (Robert) Honek; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his daughter, Theresa; his parents, Phillip and Edna Voelker; his brothers, Arnold, Vernon, and Mark; and his sister, Bernice Brueckner.

Bob’s legacy of hard work, humor, kindness, and devotion to family will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Niagara, North Dakota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Elk Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery near McCanna, North Dakota.