NEWFANE —
Harold F. Voelpel, age 86, of Newfane, passed away peacefully at his home under Hospice Care on Sunday, April 15, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Born April 29, 1925 in Amherst, he was the son of the late Howard and Gertrude (Fahning) Voelpel.
Harold attended a one-room school house in Amherst. He married Jeanne Marie Gallagher, September 29, 1956, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Wendelville. Jeanne died February 9, 1988. Harold married Betty Culverwell Gillis, July 1, 1989, at the First Baptist Church in Newfane. Harold was in the US Navy during WWII achieving the rank of Machinists Mate 3rd Class. He was a proud member of the SeaBees. Harold started his farming career in Amherst on Schoelles Road in 1946. He planted his first crop of cabbage in 1948 and had continuously planted cabbage for the last 64 years. Harold had a lifelong passion for farming and watching his crops grow. He also enjoyed his farm dogs, cats and cattle. Harold owned and operated Voelpel Farms, Inc. in Newfane for the past 47 years. He loved working outdoors and driving around to the different planted fields in the area. He enjoyed breakfast at the restaurant with the men.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Voelpel. Dear father of John H. (Erin C.) Voelpel of Newfane and Jane M. Voelpel of Olcott. Grandfather of Katelynn, Kirsten and Kassidy Voelpel. Sister of Doris Thomson of Marietta, OH, and the late Grace Coleman. Step-father of Alice (Walter) Perski of Lockport, Doris Arnold of Newfane, Kenneth A. (Toni) Gillis of Newfane, and the late Gladys Doxey. Step-grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in Pendleton, NY. Arrangements entrusted to the Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Niagara Hospice of Lockport, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094; or to Save A Pet, P.O. Box 114, Newfane, NY 14108. Please sign guest register at www.sherriefuneralhome.com.
Obituaries
Related Photos
-
Harold F. Voelpel
Guest Book
April 15, 2012
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
