Rev. Steven E. Voelker

Reverend Steven Earl Voelker, 74, entered Heaven on November 19, 2022, peacefully passing at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky.

He was born April 29, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Julius A. and Frances M. (Bernloehr) Voelker. Steven graduated from Emmerich Manual High School and went onto earn his bachelor’s degree in Religion from Heidelberg College. He then returned to Indianapolis and completed seminary at Christian Theological Seminary. Steve’s first fulltime pastoral position called him to Woodbury, Georgia where he led the Jones Chapel United Church of Christ. During this time, a mutual friend introduced him to Patricia L. Pryse and they married a short time later. He would go on to pastor at churches in Iowa, Missouri, Pennsylvania, before arriving in Bucyrus in 2008 where he pastored at St. John’s UCC until his retirement in 2014. His favorite part of being a pastor was the interaction and fond relationships he was able to form with so many wonderful people.

Throughout Steve’s life, he was active in various organizations including, DeMolay International, Lions Club and the Bucyrus Rotary Club, where he certainly exemplified “Service Above Self”. Steve enjoyed reading; he loved interacting with folks, was always up for a round of golf and an avid supporter and voice for Heidelberg University.

In addition to Patricia, his wife of 42 years, Steve is survived by a son, Michael Voelker and two cousins, Shirley Voelker and Sandy Voelker.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, December 8 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 120 S. Lane St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 with Rev. Paul Hobson Sadler Sr. officiating.

If desired, donations can be made payable to St. John’s UCC and will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service or at the church on day of services. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his tribute wall.