Eugene Volk

Eugene Volk, 93, Bismarck, formerly of Raleigh, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Edgewood Care Center in Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 5 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bismarck. Burial will follow at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Cemetery in rural Raleigh, ND at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be on Friday, August 4 from 5-7 PM with a KC Rosary and Parish Vigil at 7 PM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bismarck.

Eugene Volk, the sixth child of Elias and Agnes (Braun) Volk was born on April 17, 1930, in Flasher, ND.  At age four his mother died, and Elias married Katherine (Winter) Volk who loved him as her own. Eugene grew up on the family farm outside of Raleigh, ND. Upon graduating from Flasher High School in 1947, he attended Dickinson State College for one summer earning a teaching certificate.  He taught at the one room Three Butte School for a year, after which he became a full-time farmer.

On June 12,1951, Eugene married Clementine Hopfauf. With their growing family, they expanded his childhood farm to a Grade A dairy operation in 1963. Gene and Clem devoted these years to raising their children, encouraging them in their activities while fostering their faith. Having a fun competitive nature, Gene enjoyed activities such as playing cards, bowling, hunting, horseshoes, basketball, and dancing, even winning several dance contests with his favorite partner, Clemy. ‘Shorty Volk’ was delighted to relive his boxing days, refereeing matches between his kids and later his grandchildren. Retiring in 1992, they moved to Bismarck, ND, continuing these activities with family and friends.

Gene’s forward thinking was instrumental in the construction of St. Gertrude’s church and school in 1959. Helping build the high school, from which all twelve of his children graduated, was a great accomplishment. As a respected leader, Gene was an active member or officer in many organizations including St. Gertrude Parish Council, Catholic Order of Foresters, K of C, Serra Club, Grant County Social Service Board, Grant County Planning Commission, Three Butte School Board, Three Butte Township Board, Leahy School District Board, Grant County FHA Board, Flasher Fire Department Board, Mor-Gran-Sou Board, and National Farmers Organization. Giving back to his community was an inspiration for many.

Eugene passed away in his home on July 30, 2023, surrounded with love from his wife and family. Grateful to have shared his life are his wife of 72 years, Clementine; his children: Clair (Kathy), Claud[Rusty] (Mary), Clarence[Randy] (Pam), Jeffry (Jeanie), Joletta Gusaas, Jordan (LaMae), Deven (Alla), Denise Uriell, Dion (Donna), Loren (Jerri), Lowell (Rachael), and Lora (Gary) Bare; 39 grandchildren and 40 greatgrandchildren; brother Adam Volk; sisters: Magdelene Vetter, Sr. Maria Volk, Lydia Braun, Angeline Braun, Theresa Schriock, Evelyn (Ervin) Miller, Valentina Bruington, and Barbara Scheetz; In-laws: Florian (Georgia) Hopfauf, Frances Bohl and Kathryn Hopfauf.

He is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, sons-in-law: James Gusaas and Ed Uriell, 1 grandson; brothers: Baseleus (Ann), Amandus, Fr. Edwin, Michael, Melchior (Elaine), Leo; sister: Anna (Gerry) Moran; In-Laws: John Vetter, Pius Braun, Adam Braun, Alan Schriock, Ernest Scheetz, Magdelina (Jack) Hellman, Catherine (Joe) Erhardt, Mary Hopfauf, Eva (Adam) Bernhardt, Anton (Frances) Hopfauf, Adam Hopfauf, Rose (Xavier) Bohl, Ralph Hopfauf, Genevieve (Pete) Eckroth, Leo (Josephine) Hopfauf, Perpetua (Tony) Bullinger, George Bohl, Agnes (Ray) Eckroth and Loretta Hopfauf.

Gene’s faith and humility inspired those around him. His devotion to the Mass and Eucharist, his prayer life, and being a generous servant for the Lord, is his lasting legacy.

Gene requested memorials to Sr. Thomas Welder Scholarship fund promoting servant leadership. They may be sent to: University of Mary Attn: Mission Advancement 7500 University Drive Bismarck, ND 58504. Memo: Gene Volk Memorial.  

Livestream of the funeral service will be available on the Corpus Christi Youtube page.