John Volk
John Volk

Obituary of John Volk

John Harold Volk passed away at the Boise Veterans Affairs CLC with his family by his side on Saturday, March 16, 2013 following a courageous and graceful combat with cancer. Along his way he won nearly every battle and the hearts of the amazing hospice staff at the CLC Boise VA. His daughters rarely left his side. John was born to Lyle and Alpha (Pope) Volk on April 15, 1933 along with his identical twin brother, George Volk. They were raised on a farm North of Salt Lake City near the Jordan River. Side by side farming, swimming, fishing and playing baseball they grew up and would later join the United States Air Force. His grandsons Jonathan and Jeremy (identical twins as well) grew up and followed in his path and also joined the U.S. Air Force. His grandson Sean served in the Coast guard. His legacy lies within all his amazing grandchildren and their children. John married his beloved wife Virginia "Ginger" Guenechea on November 21, 1954. They had five children together that were blessed to join the two on their journey through life. The journey included a 22 year very commendable and exciting service in the U.S. Air Force. John served as a Crew and Flight Chief from 1952 - 1974; a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam. Over the years he was stationed in Idaho, Alaska, Morocco, California and the Philippines. He received numerous medals, awards and commendations but was particularly proud of the Presidential Citation of Exceptionally Meritorious in his support of military operations. While John and his family were stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines (1969 to 1974), he was in the 604th Military Airlift Squadron and the mission was "Operation Homecoming - Flight to Freedom" (February - April 1974), bringing the troops home from Vietnam. He also received senior NCO of the Year that year for his "Can Do" mindset. John retired from the Air Force out of Mountain Home AFB in 1974. He took with him his family, his mindset and all the invaluable life lessons that being in the military bestows and they all moved to Boise. He had a successful career in the fitness center business both in Boise and Seattle, moving to Seattle for 10 years and then returned to Boise for his and his wife's remaining years. His greatest life awards are the complete adoration of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the never ending love of his wife, Ginger, that he so selflessly took care of during her long battle with breast cancer. He will always remain our hero. John fought the good fight until the end with so much grace and dignity. His daughters will remain forever grateful to have him as their father. The bittersweet last months of his life is etched in our hearts. It will always remain an honor to have been there until his final moments. His son-in-law John Hawk stood by his side and not only guided him home but held us daughters together. We will all cherish the heartfelt memories of laughter, love and the life of such a great man. He is survived by his daughters Gina Nutt (Rick), Teri Hawk (John), Pamela Jayo (Jeff) and Rhonda Stapleton (Jeff); as well as his twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his Uncle Don. John is preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother George, his younger brother Don, his grandson Brady Volk, his only son Johnny Volk and his beloved wife Ginger Volk; they now safely rest forever together. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at St. John's Chapel. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Thursday, March 21, 2013 at St. John's Cathedral with a reception to follow. A Full Military Honor Inurment will be held at Idaho Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 PM with a formal motorcade leaving from the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Boise VA CLC Quiet Room in the name of: John H. Volk, Retired USAF, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, VA Medical Center CLC, 500 W. Fort St., Boise, ID 83702-4598. Or merely thank a Veteran next time you have the opportunity as freedom is not really free. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on John's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.
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