William (Bill) Anthony Vollmer was born in Helena, Montana on Oct. 17, 1938 to Toots and Tony Vollmer. He grew up on a dairy farm, just outside of East Helena. His childhood included working on the dairy ranch, having a milk route, and selling fresh eggs to Frank Hrella’s and several of the bars and bar owners.
Bill graduated from Helena High School and was in theater/drama, and the marching band. He achieved his bachelor’s degree from Montana State University in radio and television and was in marching band and many clubs. He was a proud third generation Bobcat. Following completion of his degree, he attended Stanford University. While at Stanford, one of the experiences for which he was most proud, was when a segment he did for the local San Francisco ABC station, called “Sounds of the Bay” got picked up by ABC and ran nationally to close out the ABC evening news. He then earned his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of Northern Colorado in 1969.
Bill was a musician, playing the piano, tuba, trumpet, and the accordion. He also loved sailing, in which he participated in races and regattas on Canyon Ferry Lake with many other avid lake enthusiasts.
He had a successful and diverse career, working as a reporter in Butte, then a Deputy Sheriff for Lewis and Clark County followed by a 25-year career with the Disability Determination Bureau, Rehabilitation Services Division in Helena. Starting his government career, he was the youngest Bureau Chief in the State of Montana. Bill received the SSA Regional Commissioner’s Citation for “service excellence” in recognition of his contributions to people with disabilities in Montana. When he retired from State government, he sold real estate and became a broker. Bill really enjoyed working with people and made a second career helping others find their perfect recreational property. He also enjoyed participation in Toastmasters International; and was the City of Gold President. His sense of humor, comedic timing, as well as an ability to build suspense and empathy made him a great storyteller.
His first marriage was to Marcia Peterson of Great Falls, MT. Bill, Marcia, Vicki, Brad and Kristi enjoyed a full range of activities together: skiing, sailing, water skiing, along with involvement in St. Mary’s Parish Catholic Church. Bill volunteered as a ski patroller at Belmont and at Big Sky; and helped coach his children when they were involved in Junior Ski Racing.
Bill and his second wife Sue hosted many events on their front porch with friends and family. There was a lot of music, food, and festivities. He loved to laugh and share joy. His friendships with his Canyon Ferry Lake neighbors were deep and lasting. While he was an only child, he considered his many lake friends as extended family. He is also survived by many cousins on both the Flaherty and Vollmer sides of the family.
When you are spending time on the lake and a gust comes up and gets the windows on your boat wet; or next winter when you have an amazing run while skiing; or when you hear the sounds of an accordion and the words to the Fly Song come to mind; or while you are sitting on the porch watching a beautiful sunset and feel a warm gentle breeze, Bill’s spirit will be with you.
He is survived by his wife, Susan (Sue) Vollmer; his children Vicki (Jim) Turner of Helena and grandsons Andy and Justin Turner; Brad (Michele Landry) Vollmer of Mountain View, CA and grandsons Nicolas and Seth Vollmer; Kristi (Kendall) Blackburn of Bellflower, CA; step children: John Allen of Helena, MT and his longtime partner Jill Boettcher; Jenni (David) Byrnes of FL and step granddaughter Ashlee Byrnes; and Judi Allen of Helena and step grandchildren Brent and Travis (Kacey) Pilon.
William Anthony Vollmer had a life full of beautiful relationships. His family would like to thank the Canyon Ferry Lake community, his medical team for providing excellent care, and St. Peter’s Hospice for being angels on this earth.
A Memorial Mass will be held at noon on Friday, August 20, 2021, at STS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs, East Helena, MT. Please join the family to share memories and stories at a light reception following the Mass starting at 1:30pm at Schooner’s Bar and Grill (formerly Yacht Basin) located at 7035 Canyon Ferry Rd, Helena, MT. Donations in Bill’s honor can be made to the Tri Lakes Fire Department at 3200 Spokane Creek Rd, East Helena, MT 59635; Lewis and Clark Humane Society at2112 E Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602, or to St. Peter’s Hospice at 201 S. California Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
Jim and Sally Wilcox says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now, and the days ahead. God Bless.
Dwight and Julie Thompson says
We’re so sorry to hear this news. We haven’t known Mr. Volmer for very long, but we know he was the definition of a true gentleman. His loved ones left behind will be in our prayers.
Gary and Norma Jean Walker says
Sorry to hear about your loss. We enjoyed his company. Such a dear man. Our prayers and condolences. Take care.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Volmer Family,
May Bill Rest IN Pease God Bless ………….
Susan Bass Proul says
Vicki, Brad and Kristi so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your dad rest in eternal peace.
Rene Martinie says
So sorry for you loss Brad to you and your entire family. Prayers and Condolences to you All!
Aamer Hai says
Brad and Family. Very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences.
Kathy Strobel says
Bill and Sue were some of our dearest friends. His passing is a great loss. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was an amazing gentleman who was a true treasure. To Vicki, Brad, Kristi, Judy, Jenny and John , you are in our prayers. May your wonderful memories help you through the hard times ahead while you deal with your sorrow.
Kathy and Rick Strobel
Kerri Buxton & Jim Wilson says
So sorry for your loss Brad and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Allen & Kathy Chambers says
It was a pleasure knowing your father for over 50+ years! I remember sailing with him when he was just getting started in a small fishing boat he converted into a sail boat out at the cabin. What a great time we had! Last fall I had the chance to stop by the house and visit with your dad to catch up on what the three of you were doing now and talk a little bit about working for your grandparents at the cabin and on their farm by East Helena.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Joe Mathews and Kathy Wilkins says
Vicki and Vollmer family,
We were so sad to hear about Bill. I’m so glad we got the chance to catch up and visit with him at your retirement party. He was an early mentor of mine and I truly enjoyed working with him over the years. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We know that all the wonderful memories that you have about your dad will sustain you.
Joe Mathews and Kathy Wilkins
Padraig Clancy says
Brad and family, my sympathies to you all at the death of your father. May he now rest in peace.
Margie Vollmer Randau says
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill and the family. I have such good memories from our childhood—tunneling in the haystacks, trying to ride a cow, waiting in the milk room for a fresh glass of milk, roping a fence post! Bill was a delight as a kid and a good man.
Margie Vollmer Rabdau says
I am saddened by your loss; my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have great memories of spending’cousin’ time at the ranch; tunneling in the haystacks, teasing the bull, trying to ride the cows , waiting in the milk room for that first, fresh glass, roping fence posts!
Bill was delightful as a kid and a gentle man.
Karina Inga-Kamienski says
I am very sorry about your loss. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Martin Lynch says
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Laura and Terry McArdle says
We were so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. We lived next to Bill and Sue at the lake for nine years during the 90’s. All of us were dog lovers and had some good laughs over the years. Bill always left a pair of shoes on the deck and one of our dogs would continually hide them from Bill. Bill must have thought it was a fun game because he never brought those athletic shoes in the house! We made it through the fires of 2001 together which was a tough time. Several times in the past three years we stopped to visit him, but never found Bill home.
Kelly says
Vicki, Kristi and Brad I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much my dad loved growing up with your dad by the stories he has shared over the years.
You are all amazing tributes to your father.
Please know that what was written about Canyon Ferry resonate in all our hearts.
Sending bone crushing virtual hugs until we can be together for real ones.
Maria Tromly says
So sorry for your loss. Canyon Ferry won’t be the same without him. He will be missed. Billy & Maria Tromly
Kathleen Schulte says
When our children were growing up they were fortunate to have Brad, Vicki and Kristi for neighborhood friends and that brought Bill into their lives. He was a happy influence who made a positive difference to the people around him. The family has our sympathy and we know that their father will always be with them. The Dan and Kathy Schulte Family
Patti Marshall says
Dear Sue, Vickie and all the family, I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing. I have many fond memories of working with Bill over the years and the get together at the lake. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty Donoho says
My brother, Mike Pennington and I would like to express our most sincere condolences. Bill was such a kind and gentle man. His will be greatly missed by all who knew him! He is now with our Lord! RIP Bill.
Bob Braun says
Bill and I played tuba (sousaphone) together in the HHS concert/marching band. I remember him as kinda reserved, but always fun-loving. I’m impressed by his life accomplishments and will sense his loss from our graduating class. Peace to his memory
Lance Sauer says
My Condolences to Bill’s family for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers.
cecelia bender says
To the family of Bill Vollmer Even with close friends,it’s hard to know what to say at times like this and how much sadness we feelfor you sending you and your family are prayers Rest in piece play your accordion for all the angles
Mary Vollmer Morrow says
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing–sending heartfelt condolences to all family members. I remember Bill fondly, mostly out at the lake on one of his boats, often with his mom and dad, trying to teach all of us kids how to water ski. I loved reading his obituary–there was so much I didn’t know about my cousin–what a beautiful tribute. Thank you!
Wendie Vanderwater says
Bill and Sue made working at the DDB worth doing. My mom Jackie Wood and I valued his friendship and guidance.
Dolores Brinkel says
Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve your father’s death.
Sr. Dolores Brinkel
Steve Erickson says
Bill Was the person who first hired me as a ski coach for the Belmont ski area in 1979 and I am still part on the team to this day. How it happened was I was jumping off the road at the top of the bowl and just about hit him and the team. Then I heard ERICKSON!!! I thought I was going to get kicked off the hill. Bill skied down to me and said I need help to coach these kids. I will never forget that day and Bill. Such a gentle nice man.
Joe says
I have known Bill since 1966 when he offered me a job with the Disability Determination Bureau. Although I did not accept his offer for employment, over time I came to know and respect Bill sufficiently to know he was a great man, leader and successful person who I will never forget. He is a great loss to all who knew and appreciated him for his type of man.