Dean Alan Voelker

December 02, 1963 - March 11, 2024

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Dean Alan Voelker on March 11, 2024 in Mishawaka Indiana. A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Dean had quick wit, boundless energy, an infectious laugh, and deep love for life.

He was the oldest of three children born to Frank and Carolyn (Lichtenwald) Voelker on December 2, 1963 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From an early age, he exhibited a passion for learning and trying new things. He graduated in 1982 from Metro-East Lutheran High School before attending the University of Illinois - Champaign, where he earned a degree in Architecture in 1986 and was a member of the Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity.

Dean's work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in each job he had. At 15 he started as a bus boy and worked a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime: selling books door-to-door in college, managing a Rent-A-Center, becoming a financial advisor for Edwards Jones, and finally a Certified Senior Advisor and independent business owner selling health insurance plans.

He was an avid sports fan – especially Illini football and basketball. Dean never missed an opportunity to embark on a new adventure, and share his great sense of humor as a Seinfeld aficionado. His most recent endeavor was earning a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Dean is survived by Margarita Valadez-Voelker, two daughters Emily Maria (22) and Rebecca Michelle (19) of Mishawaka, Indiana, his parents Frank and Carolyn Voelker, sister Dawn Bristow (Corbin) and brother Deric Voelker (Sophia) and his nephews Tyler (24) and Dylan (22) Bristow, Zane (13) Voelker and niece Zoe (11) Voelker.

More than anything, Dean believed in perseverance and living life to the fullest. "The harder you work, the luckier you get." was the motivational poster that hung above his desk; and embroidered on his black belt was Isaiah 40:31 which reads, "But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Dean appreciated life, was kind and generous with his time and talents and learned to his embrace his passions.

A Celebration of Life service followed by a luncheon will be held on Saturday April 6, 2024 at Granger Community Church in Elkhart Indiana from 11am -2pm. Friends and family are invited to share their fondest memories of Dean. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Logan Center for Autism or Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Illinois.

SAT April 6, 2024

Granger Community Church
2701 E. Bristol St., Elkhart, IN 46514

11 AM – 2 PM