Donald James Voelker, 81

Donald James Voelker, 81, died July 24, 2006, in Lakewood, Colo.

He was the son of Rosetta and Walter Voelker, born and raised in Kalispell and graduating with the class of 1942.

He went on to attend Montana State College, graduating in electrical and mechanical engineering in 1950 after spending two years in the Army Air Corp.

Also in 1950, he married Ruth Voorhees who was also raised in Kalispell and graduated with the class of 1945. She graduated with a business degree in 1950 from the University of Montana.

In 1950, after they were married, they moved to Hungry Horse where Don worked for the Bureau of Reclamation as an electrical engineer, building and maintaining Hungry Horse Dam.

In 1966, they moved to Denver, working for the Bureau, and Western Area Power Administration, until retiring in 1982. For a few years he did consulting work.

He loved to hunt and fish and garden. Last summer Ruth and Don went to Kalispell for Ruth's 60th class reunion of the class of 1945 and while there, Don received his 50-year Masonic pin.

Don is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 55 years; children, Linda, Richard and Elaine; and two grandchildren.

Cremation and inurnments have taken place.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 19, at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Lakewood.