Born Anna Marie Perschbacher, daughter of Herman Albert Perschbacher Jr. and Louisa Katherine Scheurer on April 1, 1927 in Shiloh Valley Township, St. Clair, Illinois, Ann was the oldest of 4 children; her sisters were Louisa Katherine and Hermina Anna, and her brother was Philip Herman Perschbacher. She married Ernest Ralph Voelkel on August 12, 1944 in Belleville, Illinois. Together they operated a gas station and then a curio store called the Big Indian in Winslow, Arizona. After a few years, they moved to Mansfield, Arkansas, where they owned and operated a farm which included raising broiler chickens, rabbits, dairy cattle and more. She loved gardening, canning, taking care of the animals, and sewing double knit quilts for the family. Most of all, they enjoyed working together. After her husband Ernie passed away in 1997, Ann moved to Van Buren to live with her daughter, Sharon and son-in-law where she continued to make jean quilts for family members and enjoyed spending time with family. She passed away in her Van Buren home Monday, January 24, 2022 surrounded by loving family.
Ann is survived by her children, Roger Voelkel and wife, Carol, of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sharon Burns and husband, David, of Van Buren, Arkansas; and by her 13 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Voelkel; and by her sisters, Hermina Hawley and her husband, David, Louisa Dawson and her husband, Theodore; and by her brother, Philip Perschbacher and his wife, Lois.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 29 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. with service at 2 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood, Arkansas. The family requests that masks be worn. Interment will be at Liberty Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jay Burns, Bobby Reppond, Roger Voelkel, Richard Barrett, Brian Voelkel, Thane Cook, Benjamin Voelkel, and Jacob Voelkel. Honorary pallbearers will be Wendy Reppond, Amy Barrett, Caitlin Cook, Megan Cook, Joshua Voelkel, Nathan Voelkel, and Seth Voelkel.
