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FREDERICK VOLLRATH Obituary

VOLLRATH FREDERICK EMIL VOLLRATH Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Chief Human Resources Officer for Computer Services Corporation and retired Army Lieutenant General Frederick Emil Vollrath passed on January 1, 2017. "Fred" was born on July 16, 1940, in Miami Beach, FL. Upon completion of ROTC and curriculum at the University of Miami in 1962 he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army Adjutant General's Corps and awarded a BBA degree in Management. In August of 1962 he marries his true love, Joy Pollock of Belleville, IL and they were happily married 54 years. Upon completion of the Adjutant General Officer Basic Course he and Joy were stationed with the 3d Armored Division in Germany. Following several assignments Fred served in Vietnam. LTG Vollrath held a wide variety of important command and staff positions including Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army; Director of Military Personnel Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, HQ Dept of The Army; Director of Enlisted Personnel, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command, Alexandria, VA; Deputy Commander, 1st Personnel Command, U.S. Army Europe; and Adjutant General and later Deputy Chief of Staff, 4th Infantry Division, Ft Carson, CO. He retired as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Personnel, HQ Dept of The Army, Pentagon in October 1998. Throughout his 35 year career he was recognized as an inspirational leader who cared above all else for Army soldiers and their families. After leaving active duty he was the Corporate Vice President for Human Resources, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) for seven years. After leaving CSC he continued to serve the Army for six years as the co-Chair, Chief of Staff, Army Retiree Council. In 2012 he was appointed to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness and Force Management. LTG Vollrath's decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster). He is a graduate of the Army War College and holds a Masters Degree in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University. He is survived by this beloved wife Joy, sons Forrest Vollrath in Chicago, Hans Vollrath in Orlando, Fand Mark Vollrath in Raleigh, sister Elisabeth, and brothers Albert and David. Funeral services will be held at Fort Myer Post Chapel, Ft. Myer, VA at future date. An online guest book is available at www.msfh.netAn online guest book is available at www.msfh.net

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for FREDERICK VOLLRATH

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Alexandra Vollrath

April 19, 2021

Dear pop and joy,
I love you all so much, I hope to see you one day. You guys were always the best when I came over to see y’all. I loved all the times we shared together and with our family. I’ll never forget you guys.
Love you guys up to the sky and moon and the whole wide world.

Charleen Johnson

December 31, 2018

Joy, we miss you and Fred! Hope that you are able to enjoy your new home. Your Myrtle Beach neighbors - Lynn & Charleen

Lynn & Charleen Johnson

September 12, 2018

Joy and family, what a pleasure to have know Yiu and Feed as neighbors and friends. We will cling to our many memories and the special night we enjoyed at the German resturant. It was lovely to reminisce about time spent in Germany with you and our Son and a daughter-in-law. Time together was too short, may God be your comfort and guide. In Him, Lynn & Charleen Johnson

COL (Ret) John Wood

May 17, 2017

Remember General Vollrath fondly from our days in 1st PERSCOM and DA PERSCOM & his visit to my command in Korea in 1992. Many good times with Fred, Joy, MG Gourley & Molly, Ron Clouse, Toni and many other in the golden years of 1st PERSCOM.

Monika & Robert Newman

May 8, 2017

Liebe Frau Joy,

It has been such a Pleasure to meet both of you such a short time ago. I am saddened, that I never had the chance to talk with Herr Fred about your time in Germany. So, I have to spend time with you as much as I can to talk about your times in Deutschland. What a wonderful Frau you are. It is such a pleasure to know you.

Gottes Segen für die Zukunft.

Bis Bald

Deine Monika und Mann

Dan Buehl

March 11, 2017

To the Vollrath Family - Much love and respect from the Buehl Family

February 16, 2017

Dear Joy,
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your dear Fred. Our memories go back so many years and all those wonderful painting classes. I miss that very much. I will keep you and your sons in my prayers and I hope that we will see you soon, for some happy times.
Vicki and Skip Crawford

Hoe'n Hope Garden Club

February 17, 2017

All our love~~~an amazing man!

Del and Genell Shouse

January 29, 2017

Remembering our Heidelberg days together many years ago. Joy and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. May all your happy memories bring comfort to you always.

Rev. Howard "Flip" Bushey

January 27, 2017

LTG Fred Vollrath's death is a great Lois to the U.S. Army and to the nation. Truly a mentor and inspiration to me at 1st Perscom in Heidelberg and in working with him later in Washington. A counselor and friend after the sudden death of my late wife.
My condolences to his wife Joy and his family.
"May he Rest In Peace and light perpetual shine upon him"
Flip Bushey+, San Antonio

Hope Rampy

January 25, 2017

I was honored to meet and work with then LTG(R) Vollrath on a project in the Pentagon. His authentic leadership, mentorship and genuine care for our personnel business was magnificent. My deepest sympathy to the family. RIP Sir.

Jamie Smith

January 25, 2017

I only had a chance to work with him a few times, but appreciated and respected his knowledge and work. He will be missed and prayers will continue for the family.

Holly Huntley

January 16, 2017

I had the pleasure to work with Fred at CSC. Fred was a great leader and I learned a great deal from him. He will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him. I am grateful I had the opportunity to work with him. My thoughts are with Fred's family during this difficult time.

Mark Spitzer

January 14, 2017

I was privileged to work for Fred for six years at CSC. Among the many great people I have worked for and learned from over the years Fred stands alone. He taught me that a deep understanding of the facts and the ability to place those facts in a strategic context are the entry level requirements of legitimate leadership. More importantly his quiet command presence taught me that compassion, empathy and humility are the real measures of a man.....and a leader. I will forever miss his wise counsel and friendship. My deepest sympathies to Joy and to his family.

JC Abney

January 13, 2017

Had the privilege to work for him as a Major when he was the Army DCSPER and later as an SES when he was the ASD. He was a great man who touched many. He believed in me and I will always continue to mentor others based on what I learned from Fred Vollrath. RIP, God Bless.

Bruce Batten

January 12, 2017

Fred was a great mentor and friend. He was a tremendous role model to me. I enjoyed working with him in both the Army and at CSC. I will miss him. I am keeping Joy and all his family in my thoughts and prayers.

Gus Siekierka

January 11, 2017

Fred was a great leader and great friend. I was privileged to work with him at CSC. He was a great mentor. I will miss him tremendously.

Kevin & Mary Troller

January 11, 2017

Joy -- Mary and I join the many others praying for you in your time of loss. We were young'uns when we came to Heidelberg, and you and LTG Vollrath took the time to educate and steer us to make sure our careers got off to the right start. Thank you. Your family and the Army lost a man that cared a great deal about the success of others.

Kevin & Mary Troller

January 11, 2017

Joy, Mary and I share with others in praying for you in this difficult time. We were very young in those Heidelberg days, and both you and LTG Vollrath were those kind, gentle, steering hands that truly cared about us learning the right path early in our career. We were fortunate to have you among those that invested in us. Thank you, and God Bless You !!!

Diane Devens

January 9, 2017

Our Army is poorer without him. He was one of the best bosses I ever had--always calm, always caring, always ready with a smile and a gentle push in the right direction. He taught a slew of us the right way to lead and so he leaves a great legacy to The Army.

Debby & Fred Hoepfer

January 9, 2017

Joy, Fred and I were deeply saddened to hear of Fred's passing. Our days in Heidelberg are filled with fond memories of you and Fred. I'll never forget when he was awarded his first Star. How thrilled we all were for the two of you. No one was more deserving than Fred. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Wayne Williams - USMC

January 9, 2017

Thanks for your service Soldier and fellow Vietnam Vet !!!
Wayne Williams
United States Marine Corps

January 8, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with Fred during his career at CSC, and in late 2014 secured his participation on a panel at CNA after he left DOD. He truly was a gentleman and I'm a better person for having known him. My very deepest condolences to Joy and the rest of the family.
Don DeBuck

Ray and Marcia Reass

January 8, 2017

Joy: it is with great sadness that Marcia and I write this note to you. We remember fondly Fred and your friendship during our days in Heidelberg, Germany and DC. He was always an inspiration and a gentleman. Please accept our sympathy and know we are thinking of you.

Robert McDonald

January 8, 2017

I had the pleasure of serving with LTG Vollrath twice in my career. He was a true gentlemen and an outstanding leader. May God bless him and his family.

Monika Newman

January 8, 2017

I am deeply saddened of the passing of 'Herr Fred'. I wish I had more time to get to know him better. Gottes Segen Herr Fred.

Dennis Scott

January 7, 2017

Truly sadden to hear of LTG Vollrath's passing. The time I spent working with him in PERSCOM were my most rewarding years in the Army. He possessed the unique quality of being a clam, considerate and thoughtful listener while thoroughly analyzing information prior to pursing a course of action. A rare trait. A great leader, mentor, and true gentleman. We shall all miss him.

January 7, 2017

Dear Joy and family,
It is so very hard to find words to express the sadness in my heart. Fred was a great person and I will always remember how generous he was when four of us (you, Fred, Ron Clouse and I) went to dinner a couple of evening together after MG Gourley's funeral in November 2008. He was also a gracious host at your beautiful home. Hard to believe he is not with us anymore. Fred will always be in my thoughts and heart. God bless him and may he rest in peace, Norbert

Maggie Gleisner

January 7, 2017

Dear Joy . I was so sorry to hear that your dear Fred had passed away. I have fond memories of how welcoming he was to your quilting friends when we were in your home. I know you loved him dearly and shall really miss him. I hope you can take comfort in your children and grandchildren as well as all the great memories you must have of your 54 years together

Clyde and Fairly Tull

January 6, 2017

Fairly and I were saddened to learn of General Vollrath's passing. He was an visionary leader and a wonderful roll model who mentored so many throughout his long and distinguished career. General Vollrath will be sorely missed by all those who knew him and worked with him. Our deepest condolences to the Vollrath family at this difficult time.

Derek Wright

January 6, 2017

I am deeply saddened at the passing of LTG Vollrath. What an exceptional honour and privilege it was to have known such an outstanding military leader and to use an Australian term "a fair dinkum" person. A truly great professional.

Art Lehmann

January 6, 2017

I had the honor of serving with LTG Vollrath twice. Once at 1st PERSCOM in Germany and again serving as his Sergeant Major in PERSCOM. He was truly the voice for the AG Corps and all the Enlisted Solders. He will be missed. God bless Joy and his family.

Robert & Nelda Heatherley

January 6, 2017

To a wonderful neighbor and friend, RIP!

Richard Spencer

January 6, 2017

My condolences to the Vollrath family. I had the pleasure of working with Fred on three personnel related studies undertaken while I was a member of the Defense Business Board. Each study had its "third rail" issues and Fred was invaluable in giving direction for a successful outcome. He truly cared for every soldier, sailor and Marine. His calm nature was unique inside the Pentagon. I called him multiple times after he retired to give guidance on complicated tasks we were tackling. He always had the time and was happy to share his insights. A true professional and a gentleman. He is missed.

Margaret Woods

January 6, 2017

Joy and family,
Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. Although I did not know Fred that long I truly enjoyed getting to know him. He most certainly will be missed by all of us here in Myrtle Beach, SC that have had the pleasure of calling him friend. God Bless You, Margaret Woods

RON DABBIERI

January 6, 2017

A real gentleman, a terrific soldier and a caring boss. My favorite Vollrath story was the week before he was to be promoted to BG he promoted me to Colonel. As he was pinning on my eagles with my wife I said to him with a smirk on my face: "Sir, now that were both colonels, can I call you Fred?" Smirking back be replied "probably best if you don't." Probably my second best story was I had a standing weekly meeting with him at 0900 every Friday and he was always arrive at 0910, sharp. As he would walk in I would always start beating on my watch and curse it for constantly losing time. I will always remember him fondly and be thankful for having had the honor of working for him.

Frank Minosky

January 6, 2017

My condolences, Served with LTG (R) Vollrath on the Chief of Staff ARMY Retiree Council 2008-2011. What a wonderful, caring and inspiring leader.

January 6, 2017

Dear Joy,

Our deepest sympathy. We recall with fondness the special memories of our association with you and Fred, the true gentleman, in Heidelberg.

George and Henrietta Mergner

Robert Cooper

January 6, 2017

May LTG Vollrath R.I.P. He was a Soldiers General. I was proud to have been a part of his team on the CSA Retiree Council 2007-2011

Danny Pummill

January 6, 2017

I had the honor and privilege of working with LTG Vollrath when he was the Army G1 and when he served as Assistant Secretary of Defense. He was the consummate professional when it came to taking care of service members. He always took the time to talk to me and provided wise council when I was looking for way to better serve Veterans from my position at the VA. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Christine Kindt (Arp)

January 6, 2017

LTG Vollrath was my first senior OIC in the Army. I learned a lot and all of my future expectations from my leadership were based on that experience. My neighbor, Herr Kuhn thought very highly of the entire family and often told me that I was lucky to be associated with him. My thoughts and well wishes are with the family.

Laura Bozeman

January 6, 2017

Saddened to learn of the loss of this great Army and Adjutant General's Corps leader; prayers for the Vollrath family. Defend and Serve!

Dan Sacks

January 6, 2017

I was honored and inspired by LTG Vollrath during many of his assignments serving our Army and our Nation. He was a caring, thoughtful leader who listened intently and made a difference daily for everyone in uniform. He was a patriarch of our Army's Adjutant General's Corps whom will be sorely missed. May the Lord provide his family strength and solace as they strive to overcome his loss.

Dennis Reimer

January 5, 2017

Fred was not only a great military leader but a wonderful person. He was the epitome of selfless service---working tirelessly to the very end to make life better for our soldiers and their families. I am honored to have served with him and will miss him greatly. God bless you and your family Fred! You will always remain a member of the "lunch bunch".

Jack Wheeler

January 5, 2017

The defense establishment has lost a dedicated, life long professional. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have lost a life long persuasive advocate.

Our prayers are with Joy and the Vollrath Family.

Juan Garcia

January 5, 2017

Had the pleasure of serving with Fred as fellow Obama appointees at the Pentagon. He could not have been a more gracious colleague, and I enjoyed every interaction with this true public servant and gentleman. With condolences, Juan Garcia

John Medve

January 5, 2017

I was honored to work with Fred as part of an inter-agency effort to improve the transition for service members and their families. He was a true patriot and partner.

Harman Friedman

January 5, 2017

Dear Joy and family,Paula and I know how close your family is and how Fred will be sincerely missed. Fred will be remembered by the ordinary miracles he performed every day, and Fred shall be remembered always by his kind deeds. We know the Lord is watching over him.

Bill Villnow

January 5, 2017

The AG Corps has lost a true leader and hero. It was a pleasure to have known LTG Vollrath. May the good Lord provide comfort to the family in this time of loss and sorrow.

Teresa Davis

January 5, 2017

I was privileged to work with Colonel Vollrath at 1st PERSCOM in Germany; a true gentleman and Army professional. What a sad loss for his family/friends.

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