Earl R. Voeltz

Earl Raymond Voeltz, age 91, of Howard, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on August 31, 2020. Funeral services for the family will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 3, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church in Howard. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be 5-7 PM, Wednesday, at Willoughby Funeral Home.

Earl was born on May 21, 1929, to William and Bertha Voeltz. Earl attended country school in Miner county. He married Beverly Sessler on December 15, 1950. To this union five children were born. Earl lived near Howard his entire life. He was a successful farmer who raised crops to feed the geese of Beverly's Goose Hatchery. Earl and Beverly owned and operated Beverly's Goose Hatchery for 50 years. Earl also raised beef cattle.

After "retirement" in 1996, Earl began restoring antique tractors. He loved to showcase his collection at Prairie Village. In 2018, He had the honor of being selected Parade Marshal. Earl was a avid hunter and fisherman. He loved playing cards and dominoes. He was a collector and enjoyed farm auctions and sales. He could never have too many guns, tools, or tractors.

He also enjoyed gardening and raising goats and chickens. His family loved birthday parties when Grandpa Earl would make his famous homeade ice cream. Earl loved his family and church. He was a life long member of St. Johns Lutheran Church of Howard and held many offices there.

Earl is survived by Beverly, his wife of 69 years. His children Loren(Marlene) Voeltz, Donna (Terry) Klinkhammer, Colleen(Don) Arens, all of Howard SD, Susan(Brad) Hodne, Colman SD, Melissa (Colin) Salem SD. Grandchildren: Travis, Casey,Terra, Heidi, Jamie, Steve, Amanda, Caitlin, Mariah, Bobby, Vivian, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, four brothers, and a great grandchild, Sara.

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