Richard "Dick" Vollrath

Richard "Dick" Vollrath Age 92, born to Charles and Thermina Vollrath of Indianapolis, passed away peaceably, December 21, 2012, in Lansing, following a recent move from Monroe. A memorial service was held Saturday, December 29th, at First Presbyterian Church in Monroe with the Reverend Jessica Myers officiating. An ice cream social followed, appreciating Dick's fondness for ice cream and sweets. According to his wishes he was cremated and will be interred in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. Dick was married 70 years to Jo Anne "Jody" Pierpont, after their graduation from Indiana University. Jody currently resides at Independence Village, in Grand Ledge. In May, 1942 he was commissioned as a U.S. Infantry Lieutenant, after four years of ROTC, and served until 1953, retiring as a Major. He had a distinguished thirty-five year career with Sears Roebuck, that took him and his family from Indianapolis, to Chicago, Flint, Kansas City, back to Flint, and finally to Monroe, where he retired as store manager in 1981. Dick was devoted to his family, encouraging his three sons and daughter with their careers, and actively participating in their educational, scouting and sporting pursuits. He is survived by his wife Jody, and children, Dr. Richard Vollrath (Becky), of Sun City, FL; Col (ret.) Thomas Vollrath (Sheryl), of Jeffersonton, VA; Mark Vollrath (Karin), of Flemington, NJ; Judy Neiberg (Dr. Alan), of Holt, MI, and Jan Vollrath of Blue Ridge, GA. There are eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Dick, the youngest of six children is also survived by his brother, Dr. Victor Vollrath (Isabelle), of Indianapolis, IN. Second only to his family was his affection for his numerous friends and golf buddies. He was an avid golfer that thoroughly enjoyed his seventy five years as a left handed player, shooting his age at eighty five, and experiencing the joy of a hole-in-one. He was president of Monroe Golf and Country Club 1986 - 1987, establishing the Monroe Mercy Memorial Golf tournament. Dick valued community giving. He was on the Mercy Memorial Hospital Board and Foundation, on both Flint and Monroe's Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Clubs, Board member for Goodwill Industries, SCORE United Way agency, American Red Cross, delivered Meals on Wheels, and actively participated in Boy Scouts, enjoying many a canoe trip down the Pine River. Along with the rest of his family, Alan and Judy would like to thank Dr. Ed. Feldman, of Monroe, and the rehab team at Sparrow Hospital for the incredible care given Dick. Memorials can be sent to Sparrow Foundation, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986, directed to the Rehabilitation department Pet Therapy Program, which brought him many a smile.