Harry E. Voelzke

Funeral services for Harry E. Voelzke, 84, of Yankton, SD, will be held at 1:00 p.m., March 8, 2025, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, with his wife, Pastor Jan Voelzke, officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791 and SD Army National Guard Funeral Honors. Honorary pallbearers are Alex Voelzke, Landon Voelzke, Justin Eaton, Jason Eaton, Carter Noie, and Jameson Noie. Harry was born September 12, 1940, in Dallas, SD, to Paul and Marie (Janssen) Voelzke. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Gregory High School in 1958. After high school, Harry farmed with his family until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1963. Harry was stationed in Fort Hood, TX, and received a hardship discharge in August of 1965 so he could continue the family farm operation in Dallas.

Harry married Jeannette “Jan” Soper on April 2, 1967, in Gregory, SD, and adopted her children, Shelly, Doug, and Dennis and had Steve in 1969. They continued farming until 1980, when they moved to Mitchell, SD.

Harry worked for TCI as their state manager selling individual minerals and Emmert hog buildings. Harry then worked as a design engineer for Trail-Eze Trailers in Mitchell and finally spent the last seven years of his career working with his son at Doug’s Custom Paint and Body.

Harry loved working with metal and iron. He created custom designs for many projects and was great at fixing and building about anything to make life easier. In his retirement years, Harry also helped his wife, Jan with the prison ministry. Harry loved the Lord and had a strong faith.

Harry died on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall, SD.

Harry is survived by his wife, Jan Voelzke of Yankton; three children: Shelly (Jim) Eaton of South Milwaukee, WI, Doug (DeAnn) Voelzke of Mitchell, SD, and Steve (Melissa) Voelzke of Longview, TX; daughterin- law, Julie Bull of Longview; seven grandchildren: Jason (Jasmine) Eaton, Justin (Danielle) Eaton, Natalie (Josh) Kerber, Maya and Landon Voelzke, Alex Voelzke, and Savannah (Joseph) Shaw; 10 great grandchildren: Emerson, Emilla, Mattie, Betsy, Ella, Evie, Carter, Jameson, Ava and Parker; three siblings: Gladys “Happ” Harder of Creighton, NE, Vernon (Cathy) Voelzke of Brookings, SD, and Virgie (Albert) Asper of Albert Lee, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Voelzke; granddaughter, Jennifer Eaton; and a sister, Marge Krcil.

Cremation will take place following the service, and burial will be held at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Wintz & Ray Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome. com.