WOLKEN, SR., Fred Anton

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Tuesday, May 08, 2012 Fred Anton Wolken, Sr., 96 passed to be with God on May 2, 2012. Born to John and Ida Wolken January 10, 1916 in Burt, Iowa. Fred’s father moved the family to South Dakota in 1919, homesteading near Box Elder. Fred graduated from New Underwood High School, working on his parents ranch until Pearl Harbor then enlisting into the Army Air Corp to serve his country. After flight training school he became part of the 39th Troop Carriers “Jungle Skippers” flying C47 aircraft in the South Pacific to Japan during World War II retiring as a Captain, returning home to the ranch after the war. United in marriage to Carol Olsen on June 1, 1947 he ranched until retiring to Cottonwood, Arizona in 2004 with his wife Carol. Fred loved life, never met a stranger and never lost his wit, making light of any situation good or bad, facing adversity with a smile and was again a brave soldier walking on his own into the hospice home just two days before his passing. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles, sister Ferne, and son-in-law David. Survived by his wife Carol, son’s Dan and Fred Jr., daughter Jeanne, sisters Ruth and Betty Lou, 7 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was a life member of the VFW. Interment on May 14th at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. In lieu of flowers we graciously ask to honor Fred by a donation to: Northland Hospice 452 N. Switzer Canyon Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 or Wounded Warrior Project.org or Honor Flight.org.