Frank Raymond Vollmann

Vollmann, Frank Raymond, age 89, Aurora, CO.  Born August 2, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI.  Born to eternal life September 7, 2023.  Predeceased by his parents, Max E. Vollmann and Margaret (Mielke) Vollmann, his wife Dawn R. Vollmann, his brother Max F. Vollmann, and his daughter Debora J. (Vollmann) Rolfsmeyer.

Survived by two sons and their families David J. and Tomi Vollmann, and Steven P. and Connie J. Vollmann; grandchildren Michael T. Vollmann, Nicholas T. Vollmann, Alexander S. Vollmann, Olivia G. (Vollmann) Sanford, Emily J. (Vollmann) Robertson, and Audrey E. Vollmann, as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.  

Frank grew up in rural Milwaukee County, and enjoyed open fields to play in and the benefits of his family chore to bring home fresh milk and eggs from a nearby farm.  His love for nature expanded when he spent a summer guiding boat tours on Lake Nagawicka.  At the young age of 13 his father passed on.  During this time, he went to stay with his sister-in-law, Elsie’s parents, the Sorges.  While staying there, Frank took note of Mr. Sorge’s daily prayer life and faith in God.  In retrospect, he recalled the profound impact this made on his personal faith journey.  

In his young twenties, Frank met Dawn, the woman who became his “sweetheart forever.”  They married in 1956 and started a family.  He was constantly inviting his children into creative endeavors in the workshop or around the house, where a simple box could become a play fort, or a piece of wood became a toy car or a bounding St. Bernard.  Not surprisingly, his love for nature translated into many memorable camping trips across the country with three kids and the famous pop-up tent trailer in tow.  Again, his ingenuity shined as he made a metal reinforced camp kitchen filled with handy cooking gadgets that made for many tasty, campfire dinners and snacks.  

Frank was a faithful provider for the family, working in lithography and rotogravure. His work blended artistic talent with attention to detail, and included projects for such notable brands as Kellogg’s and Reader’s Digest.

He was also an accomplished woodworker, crafting toys and furniture for his children and grandchildren.  His artistry shined especially bright through his many acrylic paintings of Door County landmarks, country winter scenes, and waterfalls.  

As he recounted many times, the most life-changing moment for Frank came in the 1970’s, when one snowy morning he broke down in tears as the depth of God’s mercy overcame him.  The fresh-fallen snow outside became a bright epiphany of God’s forgiveness explained in the Book of Isaiah: “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18).  

For the rest of his life, he lived out his faith plainly for all to see.  He was known by many for his kindness, his unselfishness, and his joyful spirit.  Later in life, he became Dawn’s caregiver, always by her side through thick and thin.  He modeled a rare depth of love and devotion to her that continues to inspire us all.  Near the end of his days, his joy remained contagious, as he would often spontaneously lead Dawn and other memory care residents in singing his favorite song, “This Is the Day that the Lord Has Made.”  His last words as he transitioned to heaven were, “Thank you, Lord,” and “Hallelujah.”  

He is now enjoying being in the Presence of Jesus with Dawn, Debbie, his brother, Max, and all the saints.  Meanwhile, his legacy continues in the hearts of friends and family as we can still hear his oft-repeated favorite verse in the Bible, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Those wishing to make donations in his honor are encouraged to support the Alzheimer's Association or The Gideons International.