Kenneth Volk, Sr.
On Thursday, April 23, 2020, Kenneth Volk Sr, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend, passed away at the age of 86.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Ann Volk (nee Zinsser); his brother Donald (Sharon) Volk, Sisters-in-Law Marilyn Volk, Judie Zinsser, and Jan Zinsser; Brother-in-law Franz (Audrey) Zinsser; his beloved children Ken (Annie) Volk, Jr., and Geri (Cliff) Wilson. Ken was a wonderful grandpa to Jimmi Wilson, Andy Wilson, Ally Volk, and Abby Volk.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Mary (nee Klug) and Otto Volk, one brother, Robert (Bo) Volk, two brothers-in-law: Carl Zinsser and Ray Zinsser; and beloved best friend Donald (Don) Dorsey.
Ken was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He served in the Korean War as a hospital machine repair technician. He held a career in computer programming for most of his life. Ken was a devout catholic. He grew up and attended elementary school at St. Cecilia Parish in South St. Louis. He graduated from Cleveland High School. Ken attended St. Simon Parish in South St. Louis County and sung in the choir. He most recently attended St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in St. Charles, MO. Ken was a member of the Crestwood Elks for many years. He loved singing Barbershop music and sang with the Spirit of St. Louis Chorus; and the Circa 1904 quartet. Ken spent many years as an amateur small plane pilot, he would fly his family on many vacations.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Funeral Services will be held at a later date.
This is a wonderful tribute in pictures and music for a kind man. Sincere condolences to my extended family on the passing of Ken. He is being met by many loved ones on the other side. Do celebrate Ken’s new adventure and be joyful and thankful for a life well lived with much happiness and much love.
I remember Ken being so kind and funny. May he Rest In Peace and Mary Ann I know you will miss him terribly, but his love will live threw you and his beautiful family. May the grace of God be with you all. ????
We still remember the times we had together here in the Black Forest and by our visit in St. Louis almost twenty years ago.
We are thinking of Ken as a very nice and friendly relative of our Volk-family.
In this moment we are thinking of all of your family.
Karin and Klaus
A wonderful tribute to Ken. Loved his photo journey.
May he find everlasting Peace and Joy in Heaven.
Sincerest Sympathy,
Franz & Audrey Zinsser
The Barbershop Harmony community in St. Louis mourns the passing of one of the great “barbershoppers”! While he did sing with “The Spirit of St. Louis Barbershop Chorus” in the 1960’s and 70’s, he preferred to sing with a quartet. And that he did, in hundreds of performances — large and very small! During the 1980’s, 90’s, and into the 2000’s, his quartet was “Circa 1904”. This quartet of “mature voices” – as one show M.C. put it – was enormously popular with the “senior crowd”. They sang the classic songs at retirement homes and at so many other locations. The singers were Hank Wurthmann, tenor; John Walsh, lead; Ken Volk, baritone; and Frank Morley, bass. When he wasn’t singing, he was in the audience. For over a half century, Ken Volk was supportive of all of the concerts and events put on by the various barbershop chapters in town. If there was a show, Ken and his wife were right there in the front row. We shall miss our dear friend, Ken. — Dan Monahan and all of the Rivertown Quartet and Spirit of St. Louis Chorus members.