Patrick “Pat” Volk
Born in Clearwater Lake, WI, Three Lakes became Pat’s second love for over 60 years. Because of his duty to the town, and his life-long passion for fishing and hunting, Pat was a much-loved member of the Northwoods community, highly thought of businessman and friend and an original owner of “The Shack.” Pat was a veteran of the U.S. Army from 1964 – 1966, serving at Forts Leonard Wood and Sill and then White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
A devoted family man, his proudest moments were with his wife and children, all of whom he taught to be excellent outdoorsmen.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancyan (nee Eleveld); children Elizabeth (Scott) Sanders, Jo (Patrick, Jr.), and Jennifer; grandchildren, Tyler Sanders and Emery Jo Volk; brother, Warren (Sylvia) Volk; brother-in-law, Gene Eleveld; sisters-in-law, Lynn Eleveld and Linda Eleveld and many, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews: Charlie (Kari) Volk (Karlie, Kortnie, Kallie); Mary Jo (Nick) Krueger; Jayme (Jim) Holmgren (Tucker, Grace and Rachel); Jeff Eleveld, Matt (Jennifer) Eleveld, (Kyle, Faith); Mark (Michelle) Eleveld (Finnegan, Ava, Sullivan); Nadene (Kevin) Holmes (Kaylin (Grant) Newton, Sarah) Zachary (Portia) Eleveld (Ryan, Alyson, Lillian), Chris (Amanda) Eleveld; Michael Eleveld, Kerri Brooke Eleveld, Trent (Tia) Trailov (Penelope, Piper), Tara (Dave) O’Donnell (Owen, Tommy).
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Kingsley and Irene Volk (nee Francea); in-laws, Donald Eleveld, David Eleveld, Maureen Eleveld, and Lynne and Pete Trailov. Pat surrounded himself with his family in a spirited life, with love, goodwill and laughter, and the Great Outdoors.
Pat’s formal public contributions included the Three Lakes Town Board, Three Lakes Fish & Wildlife, Three Lakes Parks Commission, Oneida County Civil Service Commission, Three Lakes Roads Commission, Three Lakes Road Hunting Commission (which he co-chaired with his brother) and, most recently, leadership of the Three Lakes Veterans Memorial Committee. A small business owner, Pat was co-owner of Chain O’ Lakes Septic Service and Travel n’ Trash. There was no mess too large for Travel n’ Trash to take care – including “Skylab." Pat was also well known in the halls of Three Lakes school where he and his wife Nancy were bus drivers for the school district for over 50 years.
All of these roles reflected his love of the outdoors, his commitment to good governance, and his deep respect for those who served in the armed services.
Pat’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to all who supported his lifelong service to the Northwoods. In support of his final project, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers or other gifts donations be made to the Three Lakes Veterans Memorial – Write the check to: Town of Three Lakes; mail to: Town of Three Lakes; P.O. Box 565; Three Lakes, WI 54562. Donations can also be accepted online, direct link: https://app.heygov.com/townofthreelakeswi.gov/quick-pay/pay?pay=type-15726.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, June 22nd at the Clearwater Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Clearwater Lake. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM -12:00 Noon at the church. Burial in Clearwater Lake Cemetery following the services.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
