Nicholas Paul Volenec

Nicholas Paul Volenec

July 14, 1953 - June 18, 2024

MIDDLETON/DENVER, CO - Nicholas Paul Volenec, age 70, passed away June 18, 2024, in Denver, CO, after a brief battle with cancer.

Nick was born July 14, 1953, in Dodgeville, WI, the son of Merlin P. (Bud) Volenec, and Mary Ann (Weber) Volenec. Raised on the family farm in Monfort, for the first two years of his life. The family moved to Cross Plains, WI, where Nick attended grade school at St. Francis Xavier. The family then moved to Middleton, WI.

All three boys were members of the SAL, (Sons of the American Legion) post 245 in Cross Plains. Young Nick moved up the ranks of command over the years. He was nominated, and won the position of SAL's State Commander, making all of us proud.

Nick graduated in 1971, from Middleton High School. After graduation he backpacked in Europe for six years during which time he met his wife Iolanda (Iole) Mazzoleni. Nick and Iole moved back to the Middleton area and raised two beautiful daughters, Luna and Hazel.

Nick worked as a baker at Weber's Bakery in Cross Plains and then at the Ovens of Brittany on Monroe Street in Madison, as the head pastry chef.

Nick and Iolanda separated mutually. Nick later met Linda Pritzker, whom he would marry. They moved to Cambridge, MA, where Nick earned a Bachers degree from Lesley University in Boston. In 1990, they moved to Boulder, CO, where Nick completed his Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Denver. After separating from Linda, Nick found his way to Denver and worked as a family marriage counselor.

The last 25 years of his life he worked for United Health Care counseling patients, retiring in May of 2024. Nick loved the mountains of Colorado along with its new laws. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and still played a mean harmonica.

Nick is survived by his daughters, Luna and Hazel; brothers, Jeffrey J. Volenec (Sylvie Brouder), West Lafayette IN, Marc W. Volenec (Bette), Middleton WI; sister, Toni Anne Addison (Jeff), Fitchburg WI. He is also survived by his five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many other family members and friends who were honored to know him. Nick was preceded in death by his mother and father. Also, by his former wife, Iolanda.

One of Nick's favorite songs was "Going Up to The Country" By Canned Heat, Think of him when you hear that song. He will be singing it with you. RIP Nick.

There are no plans for services at this time.