Herbert W. Volker, age 93 passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2023 with his daughter Monica by his side. In his final days he was surrounded by family and friends. Herb was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Kathleen (passed on August 25, 2007) for 54 wonderful years. Herb and Katie had three girls, Angela, Monica and Veronica. He also was a grandfather to four and had five great grandchildren. Herb was born in Hannover, Germany and grew up with with mother, Wilhelmina and his brother Siegfried. His father, Friedrich died when he was three years old. After WWII was over in 1945, and the American Army came and liberated Hannover, he said to his mother that if he ever made it to America, he will join the American Army to pay back the country that gave them their freedom from Hitler and his tyranny. Herb and his brother refused to join the Hitler Youth Group even though it was mandatory, and they paid a price for that every month. Herb came to America on July 4, 1952 through Ellis Island. He traveled to Chicago where he lived with his uncle, got a job at Markstone Mfg. Co. and it was there that he met his wife. They were married on April 11, 1953 and four days later he was to report for duty in the Army. After basic training Herb was sent to Korea to fight north of what is now the DMZ in the Kumwha Valley in the Iron Triangle, just prior to the Armistice. He stayed on the DMZ the whole time in Korea. He started with the 2 nd Infantry Division, 9 th Infantry Regiment and was later transferred to the 7 th Infantry Division and again transferred to the 24 th Infantry Division all to keep him at the DMZ. He was longer in Korea than the United States when he got his American citizenship in Seoul Korea. Herb returned home to Chicago on March 8, 1955. Herb and his family moved many places and states during his time working as a mechanical engineer. But one place that was always home to him, Katie and Monica was living on Lake Como Wisconsin. That is where Herb spent his final years. Herb was a wonderful man that was loved by family and many, many friends.

In lieu of flowers donations to Misericordia.

A visitation will be held Thursday January 18, 10:00am- 12:00pm at Cooney Funeral Home Located at 625 Busse Hwy. in Park Ridge and a 12:30pm mass at St. Paul of the Cross. Interment All Saints. Info 847-685-1002 www.cooneyfuneralhome.com