Jerome Volz

Jerome "Jerry" Michael Volz

March 8, 1955 – April 26, 2025

Jerome Michael Volz, lovingly known as "Spear" or "Jerry" by family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home, with Marcia by his side, on April 26, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 70 years old.

Born March 8, 1955, in New Ulm, Minnesota, Jerry was so small at birth that he came home from the hospital in a shoebox—but he grew into a towering 6′5″ man, remembered as much for his big heart and wild hair as for his height. He spent his childhood in Fairfax, MN, graduating from Fairfax High School in 1973. From an early age, Jerry showed a natural talent for building and craftsmanship, which led him to co-own Volz & Frank Construction, where he poured his skills and work ethic into every project, earning deep respect in his community.

In 1975, he married Susan Bachleitner, and together they raised their three children—Jamie Penkert, Travis Volz (Cara Hanson) and Kristen Haala (Joe Haala)—and later delighted in his grandchildren. In 2006, Jerry married Marcia Seibert, and together they embarked on the next chapter of his life.

After retiring in 2017, Jerry and Marcia made Crosslake, MN, their full-time home, fully embracing the outdoor life he loved. He spent countless hours hunting bear, elk and deer—his trophy mounts proudly lining the walls—and fishing the lake’s secret spots, always eager to teach his son, grandchildren and friends his favorite tricks. An avid pontoon-captain, he loved cruising to the tune of “Pontoon” by Little Big Town. He hosted legendary fish fries, baked sweet homemade pies and cinnamon rolls and never said no to a request—whether it was an extra pontoon ride, an afternoon puzzle, a house project or sneaking the grandkids extra treats.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Seibert-Volz; children Jamie, Travis and Kristen; stepchildren Jamie (Jodi) Pelzel, Jill (Joel) Pelzel Grejtak, Jessica (Zach) Otto and Erin (Kent) Fasbender; his siblings Linda (Charles) Ridl, Joe (Terry) Volz, Theresa Wager, Steven (Mary) Volz, Lisa (Thomas) Madson and Ronald Guggisberg; and a beloved circle of grandchildren and step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benedict and Mary Volz; nephew Jason Ridl; and his mother- and father-in-law.

Jerry’s strong spirit, humor, warmth and love for adventure touched everyone who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support pancreatic cancer research in his honor.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 4th from 1pm-7pm at Squirrels Bar and Grill in Fairfax, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Crosslake, MN, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be held in Madelia at a later date.

Hunting the skies, fishing the stars — until we meet again.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.