Robert John Voelkel

Robert “Bob” Voelkel passed away peacefully at home in Chardon, Ohio on Monday, August 19, 2019 at the age of 70. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Randi Voelkel, daughter Gina Barber (Kyle), brother, Donald Voelkel (Joanne), and sister-in-law Rayna O’Hara (John), who introduced Bob and Randi 41 years ago.
He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Trisha O’Hara (Joe Tomino), Matthew O’Hara (Mandy), Aileen Branstein (David), Jennifer Creswell (Mike), Krista Fairbee (Nick), David Hammond (Talia), and Bradley Hammond (Adrian).
Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Doris Voelkel, his father, Robert Voelkel, and his sister, Jean Hammond.
Bob was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 25, 1949. He was a 1967 graduate of Valley Forge High School in Parma, Ohio. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Garfield Senior College (now Lake Erie College) in 1971 and graduated from Lakeland Community College in the mid-70s as a registered nurse. He worked, for nearly 40 years, at Lake Health in the Operating Room and as a Nurse Educator.
Bob had a myriad of serious health issues for many years but never complained about the hand he was dealt. He lived every day with kindness and grace toward everyone. He is described by his wife as the “nicest guy in the world”. One of his last goals was to attend his daughter, Gina’s wedding to Kyle Barber on August 17th. He walked her down the aisle, danced a wheelchair dance and had an amazing night. He passed away a little more than 24 hours later. He will always be with us, in our hearts.
A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Munson Township Community Room, 12210 Auburn Road, Chardon, Ohio from 3 - 7 pm. There will be a private burial at Fowlers Mill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Bob to the Cleveland Clinic Transplant Center, c/o Diane Topougis, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk A100, Cleveland, Ohio 44195. They also ask you to consider organ donation for the many patients in need.