Ludmila "Mil" Voelker

Ludmila A. “Mil” Voelker

November 8, 1930 – December 6, 2022

Mil Voelker passed away peacefully with family at her side on December 6, 2022 at her home at Boutwells Landing in Stillwater, MN. A private family funeral will take place at a later date, followed by inurnment in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN, next to her beloved husband.

Mil was born November 8, 1930 in Dodge, NE to Anton and Mary (Tresnak) Padrnos. She married Francis “Fran” Voelker on December 27, 1954 at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Holdingford, MN. She was a graduate of St. Benedict’s College and St. Cloud State University. She was a professor of English at St. Cloud State for many years, finishing her career in administrative positions at St. Cloud State.

Mil was a founding member of Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud, MN. She was involved in many parish and diocesan programs. She was also an Oblate of the St. Benedict Monastery in St. Joseph, MN. When Fran’s health started to fail, she and Fran moved to Boutwells Landing in Stillwater, MN. At Boutwells, Mil was very involved with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at that facility. She was instrumental in forming the Our Lady of Peace Catholic Community at Boutwells parish.

Mil and Fran co-authored and edited numerous publications, which included Mass Media, Forces in Our Society , 1972, 1975, 1978; History and Legends of the Padrnos Family , 2000, and History of Big Birch Lake , 2007. They were avid fans and supporters of St. Cloud State athletics, as well as the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. They owned a cabin on Big Birch Lake for 31 years and enjoyed many visits from family and friends.

Mil is survived by her children Mary Jo (John) Feely of Stillwater, Marjorie (Jim) Wade of Afton, Catherine (Gary) Corby Iannuzzelli of Jacksonville, FL, Thomas (Kathy) Voelker of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Paul Voelker of South Milwaukee, WI. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Sarah DeWolf, Eric Wade, Ben Corby, Margaret “Maggie” (Phil) Kosloski, Lauren (Cory) Hannigan, Elizabeth “Libby” (Darin) Beske, Jessica Wade, Jane Voelker, Mary “Cat” Corby, Alisha Wade and Emma (Phil) Gregleski, as well as 14 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Community at Boutwells parish or the Fran and Mil Voelker Mass Communications Scholarship Fund at St. Cloud State University.