Albert Phillip Voelkel, Jr., 78, passed peacefully on July 10, 2026, while in hospice care in Stuart, Florida.
Al was born on Jan. 21, 1948, to Albert Phillip Voelkel, Sr., and Marjorie O’Connor Voelkel in Elkhorn. He graduated with the Elkhorn High School class of 1966. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country during the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam, he served with a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) unit and was awarded a Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and a Silver Star in 1968. However, he was more proud of his Combat Infantry Badge than any other award.
Following his discharge from the Army in 1969, Al returned home to Elkhorn and worked at Jensen & Johnson Surveying. There, he married the former Janice Holsinger in 1976 and had a daughter, Cally Marie.In 1992, he married the former Karen Reynolds of Elkhorn and became stepfather to Charles and Michael Gramenz.
Al moved to Florida with Karen and there he built a successful career in the land development industry and progressed into a leadership role as a Land Development Superintendent in Palm Beach County. During his years in Florida, he embraced the outdoor lifestyle, enjoying boating, fishing, and scuba diving. He also cultivated a love of classic automobiles, restoring vintage cars, and pursuing creative hobbies such as furniture making and stained-glass craftsmanship.
In 2005, Al retired after a successful career in land development and in 2007 he and Karen relocated to Blairsville, Georgia. While he continued to enjoy restoring cars and staying active with his many hobbies, he found his greatest happiness in the peaceful solitude of the mountains. He especially enjoyed sitting on the back deck watching the deer he faithfully fed make their daily visits, and exploring the mountain trails on ATVs with Karen.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Albert, Sr., and Marjorie Voelkel, and his sister, Theresa Stalzer. He is survived by his wife, Karen Reynolds Gramenz; his daughter, Cally (James) Harshman; a nephew, Todd (Cynthia) Hanson; his stepsons, Charles (Cortney) Gramenz, and Michael Gramenz; four grandchildren, Mason, Vincent, Olivia, and Giovanni; and three step-grandchildren, Colton, Cathryn, and Carter.
Memorial contributions may be made online to the U. S. Army Ranger Association, Inc. (www.members.ranger.org/Donate), specifically, the Gabriel B. Kinney Scholarship Fund.
A military memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.