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Thomas Christian Volkle

Thomas Volkle Obituary

Thomas Christian VOLKLE Capt., USCG retired Of Bothell, WA passed away on January 9, 2011. Captain Volkle was born May 28, 1932 to Veronica and Arthur Volkle in Long Island, New York. Raised there, he entered the Navy in 1950 and the Coast Guard in 1953. In Vietnam, he established and led Division 12 Landing party ("The Teenie Weenie Landing Party") which operated on enemy-held territory and earned the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 1955 he married Arline Obanhein, who passed away in 1990. Retiring as captain in April 1982, he earned numerous commendations and awards throughout his career Captain Volkle is survived by three sons, Kurt Thomas Volkle, Christian Alfred Volkle, and Karl William Volkle, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services will be held at St. Brendan's Catholic Church 10051 NE 195 Street, Bothell, WA, 425.483.9400 on Saturday, January 22 at 11:00am with a reception to follow at St. Brendan's. Captain Volkle will be interred at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital. Donations can be made via a toll-free number at 800.805.5856 or by visiting the website at http://www.stjude.org and follow the donation link. They can also be made via mail to: St. Jude Children's Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Jan. 15 to Jan. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Volkle

21 Entries

Harry Nuccio

January 2, 2018

I served under CDR VOLKLE in CCGD17 (or) as a new Yeoman. He was patient yet firm and just a genuine good guy. I am fortunate for having known him.

Dale Walker

February 10, 2011

I only made one trip with Capt Volkle on the Polar Star. It was not only the most memorable trip, but the most fun in my CG career. I will miss you Capt.

Capt. Warren and Georgia Mitchell

January 25, 2011

With Love,
Capt. Warren C. and Georgia Mitchell.

January 22, 2011

Tom was my CO at VTS Houston. Fine CO and excellent sense of humor. A good man in anyones books.

Al Hudson, Lt. Retired

Linda Blaschka

January 20, 2011

We knew Tom from St. Brendans for many years. He was always an active member ready to help when there was a need. Always positive and helpful. Recently when our son died, he came to the funeral even though he wasn't well. In a wheelchair and on oxygen, he was there to support us. We will miss seeing him at the end of our pew. He was a good and kind man. Linda and Joe Blaschka

Chuck Burnett

January 19, 2011

I met Capt Volkle in 80 when I was assigned to the Polar Star with the aviation crew. TC and I established a great freindship and trust as we kept his helicopters safe to take him flying to and from his ship. I characterized him on the cover of the Polar Star news letter for many issues, he got some great laughs from them . He caught me skate boarding on his flight deck and let me off easy. I was on a north and southtrip on the Star, sailed and flew many miles with him in vast pats of the world. He was a great man.
RIP Captain.

Chuck Burnett, AD2 on Polar Star 80-81

Mike Clemens

January 19, 2011

As CCGD17(or) in Juneau in the early 70's, CDR Volkle was so very competent and operationally oriented, I learned how a central support role should be handled---doing the best you can for those in the field. His outlook shaped how I handled my civilian career. It was an honor to have been in the same office. Condolences to his family.

Tony Brown

January 19, 2011

Capt Volkle was far and above the best skipper I had the opportunity to sail the high seas with. He had some of the best "sea stories" I ever heard and we had lots of fun with crossing initiations! All I know is when Capt. Volkle retired, there wasn't a dry eye on the flight deck that day. When I retired in 1999, he attending my retirement ceremony at Pier 36. He wasn't just a great CO but a great man who treated his crew like his family. I will miss him!

Tony Brown, USCG Ret.RMC USCGC Polar Star '80-83'

Pat Omatsu,CWO3, USCG (RET)

January 19, 2011

Served with CAPT Volkle in 80-81 on POLAR STAR. Great trips going both North and South. Crossed the Equator and Dateline at the same time, that was a memorable experience. RIP CAPT

January 18, 2011

With all my years at sea in the CG, "Top Cat " (T.C.) was far and above the best skipper I had the opportunity to sail the high seas with. T. C., your "sea stories" will always live on. Fair winds and following seas to you capt..
Craig Herlihy, USCG Ret. - USCGC Polar Star '80-'81, Winthrop, WA

January 17, 2011

Capt Volkle was my CO first in radio school then on the CG Cutter Clover. He was a great man. I just wish I could have seen him again after my discharge in Sept 1968.
My he rest in peace

Pete Gibson X RM1

Tony Atkinson

January 17, 2011

Captain Volkle will always be my image of the finest CO one could ever have. Top shiphandler, leader and friend.
USCGC Clover 1967-'68

Theresa Conner

January 16, 2011

I met Tom while volunteering at St. Brendan's "SOS". He was always ready with a smile! May perpetual light shine upon him.

Mary Judd-Riehle

January 16, 2011

Tom was such a great friend to our family! He and my parents shared faith together at St Brendans's Catholic Church in Bothell. I so appreciated his friendship and support to my parents, Bill and Catherine Judd!

David Volkle

January 16, 2011

Uncle Tom will be missed by all, we are sorry for your loss, wish we could have been there for you, but he was always in our hearts and always will be. We love you Dave and Debbie

Mike Stenger, CAPT, USCG(Ret)

January 16, 2011

Tom was my second CO aboard 180' Buoy Tenders Sorrel and Clover in Sitka AK 65/66 when he was a LCDR and I was ENS/LTJG. His example and seagoing expertise plus confidence in his officers set the tone for the rest of my career. He was one of the most inspirational men I ever served with. God bless you Tom Volkle! Fair winds and following seas!

Nick Jackman,CPO,USCG(Ret.)

January 16, 2011

I met Capt Volkle 33 years ago on Governors Is and later served with him on the Polar Star,a great CO,man of faith and a great sense of humor.Fair windsand following seas.Rest in Peace

Eric Matthews

January 15, 2011

I got to know Capt. V. in the early 1980's when I was stationed in Seattle at the 13th Coast Guard District. He was such an authentic and nice man. He will be missed.

Kjell Rye

January 15, 2011

Capt. Volkle was the best CO I ever served under. We sailed to Greenland on the Westwind. He was a wonderful person.

Jennifer Bryson

January 15, 2011

I love and miss you Pop Pop!

Kurt Volkle

January 15, 2011

I miss you dad.

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