Louis (Lou) Volk, Jr.

Louis (Lou) Volk Jr., age 87, a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a super grandfather, passed away in the comforts of his home in the early morning of February 8, 2022. Lou was born on January 27, 1935, in Sidney, Montana. He had a deep faith and was a man of God.

He battled many ailments over the recent years but was amazingly positive and always concerned about others. Lou was known to everyone he encountered as a compassionate, thoughtful, kindhearted person. Most everyone that had contact with him seem to say that they had their own personal relationship with him, that he was their friend. He offered a level of optimism that was honest, heartfelt, and spilled over into all that he was. He took joy in meeting and getting to know people on a deeper level. He knew no strangers and welcomed all with open arms. His genuine caring and vast knowledge and understanding on most any subject allowed him to connect with people on a very personal basis. He will be missed by many who consider him a friend.

Lou graduated from the University of Montana in 1959. He subsequently received a Master of Arts degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University. He was a lifelong learner and took graduate level courses at Utah State University, George Mason University and George Washington University.

He loved his work and was very proud of his career with the U.S. Forest Service. He began his career with the U.S. Forest Service in 1964 as an Administrative Assistant on the Lolo National Forest in Missoula, Montana. He had assignments across the country in Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Washington D.C., and New Mexico. He retired in 1999 as the Deputy Regional Forester for Administration of the Southwest Region headquartered in Albuquerque. Although he retired more than 20 years ago, he continually spoke of his Forest Service Family in terms of "we". He was blessed to do what he loved and to find a rewarding career that allowed him to bring his passion and leadership to many that crossed his path.

Upon retirement, he was the grandpa to his five grandchildren that most could only dream of. He was a friend, a mentor, a coach, a confidant, and a shining example. He taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer, to be people of great character and there are no limits to what they can accomplish. Many of his wonderful traits and his caring attitude can be seen in his grandchildren every day. He expressed over and over that he was very proud of each one. His wonderful caring traits live on through his children and grandchildren.

Lou is proceeded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Margaret, the love of his life. He is survived by his three blessed and grateful sons, Steven R. Volk and wife April Volk, Louis Volk III and wife Elizabeth West, and Michael A. Volk; and the pride and joy of his life, his five grandchildren, Louis Volk IV, Haley Sue Volk, Cody Ryder Volk, Abby Grace Volk, and Maggie Morgan Volk. He is also proceeded in death by his sister Francie Larson and Kathryn Hein. He is survived by his sisters Mary Lou Bach, and brother-in-law, Peter. He will be missed by numerous other family and friends.