Clifford Volkmann

life story

Proud and Loving Poppa Bear

A Good Man

Clifford M. Volkmann, of Burnsville, Minnesota, died October 29, 2022, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was 83 years old.

Cliff was born to Arthur and Emelia Volkmann in Alton Township, Minnesota. He was baptized on May 29 and confirmed on May 11, 1952 in Vernon Center and graduated from Garden City High School in 1956. He joined the Army Reserves out of high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mankato State University. He became a CPA with more than 40 years in auditing, accounting, financial reporting and analysis. Cliff married Marie in 1968 in Saint Peter. They settled in Burnsville after living in California and North Dakota.

Pops loved people and was a perfect example of a ‘Volkmann’ - literally translated means a ‘people person’. He loved, LOVED to talk to others and hear their stories. His love and faithfulness were displayed daily to his bride of 54 years, Marie, his four children and their spouses, and the eleven grandchildren who enjoyed hearing his memorable laugh and learning his Cliff-isms. He was a wonderful example of a dedicated father to his children that he learned by the example of his single-mother, two brothers and sister.

Dad took pride in his accounting profession, always doing the right thing to ensure transparent and accurate financial reporting. So much so that he desperately tried to educate the public and local newspaper reporters about how the debt services should have been included in the Performing Arts Center financial reporting.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Marie; his children: Lynne (Rick) Hoel of Burnsville, Jon (Kelly) Volkmann of Woodbury, Patti (Bob) Kent of Savage, and Benny (Michelle) Volkmann of Decorah, Iowa; his eleven loving grandchildren: Scott, Luke, Wyatt and Hanna Hoel; Grace, Ava and Samuell Volkmann; Brielle and Brayden Kent; Olivia and Anya Volkmann; and brother Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Emelia, brothers Alvin and Kenneth, and sister Irene.

We are grateful for Dad’s faith and hope in the resurrection, and the prayers, support and help from family, friends, and the best neighborhood in Burnsville. Just as amazing was the wonderfully kind and compassionate care provided by the AccentCare hospice team and Hayden Grove nurses, aides, and staff that made Dad comfortable throughout his final months and days. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Pops enjoyed watching his beloved Twins and Green Bay Packers (nobody is perfect). We’ll always think of him when we rise for the national anthem and wait to hear an enthusiastic ‘Play ball!’

Memorial service will be held at Mt Olivet Home in Minneapolis on February 10 at 11am (visitation at 10am). Interment will be at the Alma City Cemetery.