Robert “Bob” G. Volk, age 85, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at age 85. He was born in Norfolk, Neb., to John and Amelia Volk of Battle Creek.
Bob was the youngest of 6. On the family farm they raised hogs and cattle and grew corn. June 23, 1957, Bob married Jeanette Volk.
Bob graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1959 with an Agriculture Degree, and was a member of AGR Fraternity. He then went on to work for Colorado Extension Service, Drover’s Journal, and the American Hereford Journal until 1967 when he joined the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben.
In his 23 years of Ak-Sar-Ben, which hosted 1.5 million in tourism annually, he served as General Manager for six years. Bob grew the 4-H program extensively and started the first intercollegiate evaluation program. Bob and Jeanette traveled to every county in Nebraska, awarding matching funds from Ak-Sar-Ben, for fairground improvements. The livestock show itself grew tremendously, catapulting his career, friendships, and lifetime legacy in the livestock industry. Other affiliations:
Board of Directors Thoroughbred Racing Association of America
Kearney Cattleman’s Classic Founding Executive Director
President American Livestock Show and Rodeo Managers Association
American Simmental Association Board Member and Golden Book Recipient, lifetime achievement award
Numerous boards and associations furthering cattle and 4-H locally and nationally
His love of cattle brought him to many state and county fairs. He also loved serving as a sale consultant. Bob was well recognized, respected and known in the yards of Denver as well as many other national and regional cattle events.
Red was easily Bob’s favorite color — Cadillacs, strawberry ice cream and Cornhusker Red. He was a season ticket holder. All the granddaughters have fond memories attending with him.
He enjoyed his later years in the Nebraska Sandhills with Jeanette in their camper, keeping watch over the Simmental herd. He shared this love of cattle with his family, with both sons and granddaughters showing at local and national shows.
The last five years of Bob’s journey, he endured vascular dementia. This did take him, and sometimes the family, on some wild adventures. He fought the battle hard, stayed stubborn, and never forgot those who loved him.
Bob is survived by his wife Jeanette, sons Jay (Kim) Volk, Clark (Leslie) Volk, grand-daughters Claire, Madeline, Kylie and Grace Volk. Visitation will be from Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, from 4–7 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds Rybin Building. Funeral service will be Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to funeral service.
Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair is in charge of arrangements.
