Joanie Volk Obituary

Mass of Christian Burial for Joanie Volk, 85, of Herreid will be at 10 AM, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Herreid. Burial will be at the church cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. There will be a prayer service at 7 PM Wednesday at the church.

Jo Ann "Joanie" Wolf Volk, lovingly known to many as Ma or Grandma, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at the Eureka Nursing Home. She was 85.
Joanie was born on May 26, 1940, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and was adopted shortly after birth by Joe and Martha Wolf. They brought her home to Herreid, the small town that would remain forever dear to her heart.
After graduating from Herreid High School in 1958, Joanie attended college in Winona, Minnesota. Her life soon took a new direction when she met Stephan "Steve" Volk. They were married on September 3, 1959, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Herreid. The couple began their married life in Los Angeles, California, before returning to the Dakotas and eventually settling on a farm 11 miles west of Herreid, where they raised their seven children.
Joanie was a gifted cook who shared her talents widely-through the Herreid Senior Citizens Center, the Herreid Good Samaritan Center, and most memorably at Grandma's Kitchen at the Herreid Sales Barn. It was there that her kindness and generosity earned her the titles Ma or Grandma to more than just her own family. She nourished not only with food, but with love, humor, and a steady presence that grounded those around her.
In 2020, thanks to a Mother's Day DNA test gifted by her children, Joanie was reunited with her birth family. She discovered four half-siblings and developed a special bond with her brother, Patrick Flint, who traveled to Herreid that September to meet her and her children. Joanie had always wished for a little brother-and in true older sister fashion, she welcomed Patrick with warmth, affection, and a healthy dose of teasing.
Ma was known throughout the community as a walking encyclopedia of Herreid and Campbell County history. Whether it was the name of a business, a family tree, or a wedding date, she could recall even the smallest details. When there was a debate to settle-whether at the coffee table or the local bar-people often turned to her for the final word. Her deep knowledge and memory were treasured by many and will be dearly missed.
Joanie served for many years on the Herreid School Board and Oahe Special Education Board, where she was a strong advocate for students and public education. She was also a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and Altar Society, where her faith was a constant foundation in her life. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for many years. Ma was proud to have been the last individual living who had attended the first-ever Campbell County Bank annual meeting-at just four years old.
Joanie leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her children: Steve Jr., Robin (Tom) Ryckman, Greg (Shelly) Volk, Jack (Sue) Volk, Bob (Tracy) Volk, Buffy (Brad) Schuetzle, and Mari Pat (Grant) Gauer.
She was a proud grandmother to: Stephanie Ryckman, Jade (Evan) Sauter, Tony (Cassie) Volk, Nick (Kelsey) Volk, Joe (Kate) Volk, Ben (Jordyn) Volk, Erika (Derek) Stahlman, Adam (Karissa) Volk, Jacob Volk, Noah and Reagan Schuetzle, and Jaxon Volk.

And great-grandmother to: Kallie, Maddie, and Hadley Volk; Landyn, Mady, and Eli Sauter; Payton and Presley Volk; Sophia and Greta Volk; Berkley and Greyson Volk; Nicklyn, Stetson, and Colton Volk; Raya and Reid Stahlman; and Stephan Volk.

She is also survived by her brother Patrick Flint; sisters-in-law Florence Tough-Gartner, Lillian Volk, and Claudia Volk; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Joanie was preceded in death by her husband Steve; her parents Joe and Martha Wolf; parents-in-law Anton and Rofina Volk; grandsons Tommy Ryckman and Barry Volk; and her brothers-in-law Victor, Ray, Gilbert, Albert, James, Martin, Roger, and Rodney-as well as many cherished friends and loved ones.
Joanie's life was one of faith, resilience, humor, and deep devotion to family and community. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Joanie Volk, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Memorial Donation