Ona Mae Voelkel, 83, passed away on September 4, 2023, after a short battle with bladder cancer. She passed away at River Bend Assisted Living in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by her loved ones.
Ona was born to Virgil and Mary Carter on October 24, 1939, in Fairview Heights, IL. She united in marriage with her high school sweetheart, Stan Voelkel, on October 2, 1959, in Edgemont, IL. Soon after, they moved to Cedar Rapids, IA, where they had their first two children, Jon and Jamie. In 1968, they moved to Delphos, Ohio, where they expanded their family by two, welcoming Jill and Jason. After nine years in Ohio, the family moved to Le Center, MN, where she worked for WINCO and helped Stan run their company, Ready Power. After raising their children, she spent her last working years connecting with and helping people as a sales associate at Herberger’s and a student van driver for Saint’s Bus Service.
Ona loved decorating and always dressed up her home for each holiday and season. She took her passion for decorating and started a flower and design business during her time in Ohio, where she created flower arrangements for weddings and receptions. Her other passions included shopping for many collectibles, such as amethyst glass and Elvis memorabilia. She owned three classic cars throughout her life, her favorite being the cherry red 1960 Chevy Impala convertible. She enjoyed going to car shows and being a member of the Mankato/St. Peter, MN Impala Club, National Impala Association, and the Auto Restorers Car Club of Southern Minnesota. Above all, she enjoyed the precious moments with her friends and family. Although, family bingo could get a little rowdy.
Her loving husband, Stan, and her parents preceded her in death.
Ona is survived by her four children, Jon (Pam) Voelkel, Jamie (Thomas) Berry, Jill (Rusty) Taber, and Jason (Amy) Voelkel, as well as her ten grandchildren, Kaitlin (Michael), Amanda, Jacob (Emily), Bryce, Danielle, Megan, Allison, Marissa, Carter, and Harrison, and three great-grandchildren, KayLee, Kayden, and Madison, whom she all loved deeply.
A celebration of Ona’s life will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the American Legion Post 108 Reception Hall in Le Center, MN. The open house will run from 3 PM until 6 PM, with a small service beginning at 4 PM.
Memories and condolences of Ona may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Loving thoughts to your family. She will always be in your hearts.
Ona and Stan were both dear friends. We will miss them both. Ona was a classy lovely lady with a great zest for life. Our sympathy to her family.
Rest in peace Ona!! I will miss those funny messages you always sent me
Cindy and I knew Ona as school bus friends. She was a beautiful friend and person. And she will be missed
Ona was one my favorite friend and neighbor. Many times we would get together with Ona and Stan as Stan would call it shoot the breeze. She had a heart of gold and would listen and not judge. We will mis her dearly.
My deepest sympathy to Ona’s family. It was such a treat when she would invite us 1st State bank girls for coffee. Good good and great laughs!
so sorry to hear this. Sending hugs, she was a lovely, lovely lady!
Dear Jon & Pam: So sorry to hear of the Loss of Your Beloved Mother. Sending Our Thoughts and Prayers of Condolences to You and Your Family. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. May almighty God bless us with his peace and strength, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Heart felt sympathy offered to Ona’s family. She was “one of a kind”. We met her through her work at Winco. I got to know her through her love for AVON. I’d go to her house to see if she wanted any AVON, and we’d spend a couple hours visiting. Her home was always decorated beautifully. I always smile when I think about her. Her laugh was infectious! RIP. Ona
Dear John, Jamie, Jason, Jill and Families: I will miss your mom and dad. They always treated me so well when I worked for them and enjoyed the time with your mom and listening to all the stories about family.
Last time I saw her was in LeCenter when were at the coffee shop and shared lunch together.