Volkert, Elizabeth “Liz”

Elizabeth went to her heavenly home on April 3, 2023, at the age of 94. She was born on June 8, 1928 in Hawarden, Iowa to Peter and Clara (Troseth) Jacobs. She attended the University of Minnesota-School of Ag- for two years of high school, with her sister Eleanor. She also attended a year of nursing school and worked at Bethesda hospital.

On November 30, 1946, she married Edwin Volkert at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Rich Valley. They started their life together on Ed’s farm in Vermillion Township, Minnesota where they raised their three daughters and spent their days farming. Liz loved spending time outdoors in her gardens. She was a master gardener for numerous years and her favorite part of gardening was propagation of her plants (of which she had hundreds), including several water gardens, house plants, and outdoor gardens.

Liz worked as a phone operator, and at Gabbert’s Furniture as a receptionist and bookkeeper for a few years. However, the majority of her life was spent in the fields working next to Edwin driving tractors, caring for livestock, and keeping the farm books. Liz had a caring and loving heart, and would always take the runt of the litter, the sick or wounded animals and chickens and nurse them back to health in their home.

Liz volunteered at St. John’s Church for several years as a trustee. In the 1960s, she volunteered at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School, as a bus driver and helped with the lunch program. She was a 4-H leader and judge in Dakota County. She was an avid sewer, knitter, and reader throughout her life.

Liz always supported and encouraged her daughters to explore and live their lives to the fullest. She had unconditional support and love for her three granddaughters and enjoyed hearing about all of their adventures.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; sister, Eleanor Ohmann; and brother, Robert Jacobs. Survived by her daughters, Diane (Larry) Volkert-Ring, Deb Volkert, and Denise Volkert; granddaughters, Amelia, Alexis, Rachel; sister-in-law, Lucille Sjulstad; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral at 11am on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd., Apple Valley, with visitation one hour prior. Interment at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery of Rich Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School Acorn Scholarship Fund.

Link to the Acorn Scholarship Fund:

Acorn Scholarship Fund | Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School (myvanco.com)