My condolences to the Vollertsen family, Betty, Stan and Janelle.

Long time, no see.

I remember Wes from the good times (the late sixties) back in the Chandler Presbyterian Church youth group and Sunday school, particularly the work groups to Montlure Camp (and the blown "trannies").

I last saw Wes at the Gilbert church about ten years ago, I believe.

I see from all of the pictures of him that Wesley had many of the same interests as I do.  He had a love of older panel trucks, and I love old cars and trucks.  He had a very cool monster of a motorcycle, and my husband and I used to ride everywhere on his motorcycle.  I know I must have met Wesley at more than one of the many Dunkin Family Reunions I went to with my family (Clyde and Arlene Massey and Children).  It's too bad I never really had a chance to get to know this cousin of mine, I know I would have liked him.  God bless all of you in the Vollertson Family.  You are in my prayers.  Love, Charlene

I met Wes about twenty years ago when he came for the first time to our singles group at Gilbert Presbyterian Church. Our group was one that just enjoyed each other’s company and did many things together. Wes and I soon began going to dinner at least once a month or he would eat at our house. Before long, he became part of the family. We helped each other put together furniture, worked on his and my trucks together, helped each other with whatever needed doing, and just became the best of friends. Wes was 6 weeks older than me, and I used to tease him that he was an “old man!” He took it in stride! We would always celebrate our birthdays and Christmas together, including spending it with his family. When my father was dying in Tucson and I was there helping to take care of him, Wes actually drove my daughters all the way to Tucson so they could be with their grandpa in his last hours. Wes sat and visited with my family for a little while, then quietly left and drove back to Mesa. That’s just who he was—quietly loving and helping others. The hardest part was that I moved to Winslow about a year and a half ago, so our monthly dinners didn't happen very often. Although we kept in touch via the phone, it just wasn't the same as seeing him and getting that big bear hug! I have so many memories I could share—Wes was my confidant, my best male friend in the world. I will truly miss him! I find comfort knowing that he’s standing tall and whole and is no longer in pain! My love and prayers are with you, Betty, Janelle, and Stan.

Wes was special in many ways.  When we first came to GPC he was a welcoming person.  He taught me much about the Mission comittee.  That has stayed with me.
Sandi

When Karen had her serious traffic accident around Thanksgiving 15 years ago, Wes was the first to visit her in the hospital. He was always like that - giving to others. We will miss him greatly

I didn't know Wesley well, but appreciated his love and caring spirit for his mom
through the years.

When we joined GPC and met Wes we knew we were in the right pew.  He was so much a part of GPC and Emmaus that his presence will be missed. In Wes' presence I always felt blessed.  He was such a blessing to the Mission committee and taught me so much.
Sandi

It;s sad to get this news about Wes.  I liked the  big guy.  I first met him at Chandler Junior High in 7th grade.  We would talk about building model planes and cars.
 Wes was just who he was.   He walked slow and he talked slow but he
was a fun guy to be around.    I'm sorry to know that he's gone and I offer my condolences to the Vollertsen family.

Wes always brought a smile to those around him.  Ward will miss especially sharing his car passion with a fellow enthusiast.
Sincerely
The MacKenzie's

Wes and I met when we were in our early 20s.  We used to get together with a group of friends on the weekend and play games or go out.  I met him through my friend Becky Chaffin's brother (Dennis, I think).  We continued our friendship all of our lives.  I moved to Texas in 1981, but we always kept up with each other.  Wes would visit my family and I when he came through town on one of his road trips.  We would go out to dinner and catch up and remember our younger days.  Wes was a good man and a good friend.  I will miss him immensely.  I am a woman of faith and comforted knowing that he is in the arms of our Lord.

Camilla Zoccola Womack
Dallas, Texas

I worked with Wes at GPC in many capacities, and enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor, and faithfulness to his duties at the church.  I haven't seen him for nine# years, but I will always remember him.

To Stan and the rest of Wes'  family.  I remember Wes very well.  We were classmates for nearly all of our lives.  Wes was a great guy and I am sorry to hear of his passing.  My condolences to you and the rest of your family.  

Stan,
Do you still play tennis?

Doug Davidson
Saint David, AZ

When Ginger and me first joined the GPC I volunteered to work on a project related to Habitat Humanity.  I was working side-by-side with Wes and we had a great day doing work for others.  It has been a blessing to know Wes for the many years at GPC.  Also I have always had an envy for older vehicles and was impressed with those collected by Wes.  I know than in the past many months Wes began to fail and yet his spirit was always with us.  It was my joy and privlege to know, work with, and call Wes a dear friend.   Dave Williams

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wes was a great friend!  We enjoyed going to the NASCAR races for several years.  I would get online on the opening day to buy tickets and get us seats up high on turn one.  They had elevators to get to these seats and Wes always said to get him two seats so he could stretch out.  Went to many car shows with Wes and he always liked being around cars.  

One memorable moment was when I accepted my first term on the session at Gilbert Presbyterian.  They went around the table and had us new comers state a little bit about ourselves and why we were sitting at this table.  When it was my turn I told them that Wes' mom called and asked me to be on session.  I said, "How can you argue with Betty?  So here I am."  When it was Wes' turn to speak he pointed at me and said you heard what Jim said.  Betty was on the Nominating Committee that year. We had a great time in the meetings and Wes and I always seemed to have another meeting (more about cars) in the parking lot afterwards.

One of the great losses to GPC is finding another person to play God when they do skits and plays from now on.  It seemed they would always ask Wes to do that role.  Hand him a mic and that big booming voice would come into the room and you thought you really were listening to God.

Gonna miss that big guy!

I went to high school with Wes and got to know him better after graduation.  He had a passion for cars and had a great sense of humor.  He will be missed.

Wes, was a great brother,who could say more in a glance than a whole slew of words. He was Mom's Rock and my confidant. He became my brother and friend in our later years. I always knew when I lived in KY I would get a phone call from him around Christmas , Mothers Day and in August for Moms birthday. He would want to know any ideas of what to get Mom as a gift. He had a generous heart and hearty laugh . Wes loved his Church family,Work family,  as well as his Fat Fender Ford Club family .Wes was comitted to giving his all in every thing he did. No matter what it was, if he Was in work mode you knew to walk softly and not destrub him as he was in deep in thought and interupting him , breaking his concentration might earn you a growl or a get lost glance. (I'm thinking it could be a family trait...)
Wes loved the movies and enjoyed going to them at the Drive In's growing up or later going with Mom on Sundays after church. One year for Christmas my present was a dinner and a movie (even if it was the drive in and McDonalds) at the time we were young and in transition. He was moving to Casa Grande to work. He took me to see the first Stepford Wives. He remarked how  cool it would be to have Stepford wives. I said how boring, no one to discuss opinions with, he just chuckled his loud chuckle and said yah! A man of very few words , but it didn't take many to convey what he felt, with him actions were Always louder than words. I could write pages. But just want all to know he was a very loved brother and friend. 
Janelle Vollertsen -Sister

OBITUARY

Wesley Ray Vollertsen

9 August, 1950 – 4 May, 2010

Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens

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