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William George Volkstadt
William George Volkstadt was born on 27 November 1932 in Lockport, New York. He was appointed to West Point from the 42nd Congressional District of New York and entered on 3 July 1951. He was in Company L2, was on the track team, and was a Cadet Sergeant and Company Supply Sergeant his first class year. He graduated on 7 June 1955 and was commissioned in the US Air Force.
A visitation for Wil (Bill) Volkstadt was held at the Mullins and Thompson Funeral Home in Stafford, Virginia from 7 to 9 pm on Tuesday evening 10 JUL 07. During the visitation period a Masonic Funeral Service was conducted by members of Bill's Masonic Order. Class of '55 representatives were Matt & Betty Schepps, Jim Ryan and Jim & Nancy Cutchin.
On Wednesday morning 11 JUL at 10:30 am a Memorial Service of Hope and Consolation was held at Summit Presbyterian Church in Stafford. A recording that was made after his death by Bill's widow, Kip, singing The Lord's Prayer was played. A memorial from Kip that appeared in the program is reproduced immediately below.
"Bill was a gentle soul...as one of his classmates recently remarked, "He was the strong, silent, type.
He lived his faith and and shared it with others through his love. He found beauty in everyone and everything around him.
Honor, duty and country were words to live by and not just a motto. When you met him, that's who he would be, a man of honor...always the same.
Bill was the genuine article; with a quick mind, a twinkle in his eyes and a wonderful, dry sense of humor.
He will be sorely missed.
Farewell my love."
Several of his grandchildren, his son-in-law, and several friends of Bill shared tributes and their memories of him. Bud & Dorothy Goldstein and Jim & Nancy Cutchin represented the Class. Jim, at the request of Kip, served as a pall bearer.
A short burial service was held at Quantico National Cemetery following the church service. An Air Force honor guard provided full military honors. Bud & Dorohy Goldstein, Carl McNair and Jim & Nancy Cutchin represented the Class.
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