Dean Voeks
Dean Voeks , Age 81
Dean W. Voeks, age 81, of Merrimac, passed away early in the morning on Monday, March 25, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Dean was born to Elroy and Maxine (Ray) Voeks on September 22, 1942 in Warrensburg, Missouri. Dean graduated from Baraboo High School in 1960. He went on to Valparaiso University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. While attending school, he married Karen Kindschi on December 28, 1963 at the First Methodist Church in Baraboo. Dean worked in the telephone industry for over 30 years, he started at GTE then became CEO for MidPlains Telephone Company later to become Chorus Communications, having retired in 1996. He also served two terms as President of the Sun Prairie School Board, one term as President of the Wisconsin State Telephone Association, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for First Business Bank.
Dean was an avid Badger Basketball fan. He enjoyed touring the country and was a connoisseur of the culinary arts - always thrilled with the anticipation of what lay around the next bend in the road or what flavors may cross his palate. When home, Dean loved sharing the wonder with his 5 grandchildren, telling them stories, jerking their chain, and watching them grow.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, of 61 years; his children, Chad (Clare) Voeks, Christy (Andrew) Kubitz; his grandchildren, Aiden Kubitz, Rowan Voeks, Caelan Voeks, Liam Voeks, Cole Kubitz; his siblings, Glenn (Vicki) Voeks, Lisa (Reid) Chase, Rochelle (Randy) Newman; his brother-in-law, Mark McCollow, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Janice McCollow.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family which will be passed on to pancreatic cancer organizations and local EMT & Volunteer Firefighters organizations.
The family would like to thank his SSM Health at Home Hospice Care Team for their care and support.
Condolences
Brian and Kim Sefkar March 26, 2024
Acquaintance Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..
Ann Effinger March 26, 2024
Friend, high school classmate of Karen Merrimac , Wisconsin
My thoughts and prayers are with you all -
Ruthanne Chun, Jim Polikowski, Althea Polikowski March 26, 2024
family friends Madison , Wisconsin
Our thoughts are with you. May your many happy memories of a long life well-lived bring you comfort.
David & Carolyn Dallmann March 27, 2024
classmate Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our sympathy to Dean's family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sue Sorrentino March 28, 2024
friend marshall , Wisconsin
Dear Karen, we haven't been in touch for a long time, but when I saw that Dean has passed away I really had to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I still picture us as the young fun-loving people we were, and the good times we had. I hope your lives have had more ups than downs and I wish you the best always. With affection, your old friend, Sue
Keith & Dixie Lieurance March 28, 2024
friend Palm Bay , Florida
My condolences to the family with your loss. Dean was an old friend, fellow employee ( Gen Tel traffic dept ) , neighbor ( Blackbird Lane ). May his memories remain with you as he goes on ahead to eternity.
Mike and Pat St. John March 29, 2024
Family friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
We were very sad to hear, recently, of Dean's illness; we are far more sorry to hear now of his passing. We always enjoyed our interaction with him; he was very friendly, vibrant, and interesting. We will miss seeing him. Unfortunately we made plans to travel this weekend some time ago and will be unable to attend the visitation on Friday. The Voeks family has had a sad couple of months; we would have liked to extend our deepest sympathy in person, but must settle for this. We wish you our very best.
Kim Egan March 29, 2024
Friend Chandler , Arizona
Karen and Family...We are so sorry for the loss. Surprised and saddened yet grateful for the special times I had with my friend. Next to the Bielema's Dean had one of the most mispronounced names in the state...and he was recognized. Our mutual technology qwest lead us to many places together. Conversation filled our road trips with laughter, fun and serious chats about his passions...Family, Friends and Wisconsin Basketball. I will never forget the road trips and our time together including a crazy trips to Phoeniz. Grand Junction and the Bahamas. I will miss our Press Box lunches. He was Intelligent, curious and current, Deans zest for information and life made Dean both interesting and interested always. Passionate, Practical and Committed to doing the Right Thing. Deans friends became your friends. He loved his Family so much and he was so proud. Dean had a real presence and compassion for life...My dad once said, find the smartest person on the room and stand next to them.... I always stood by Dean. A mentor and my friend, I am one of the lucky ones who was so fortunate to share special times with Dean and Karen too. God Bless...Gonna miss my Badger Buddy...We had FUN!
Susan & Chris Jensen April 01, 2024
Family Merrimac , Wisconsin
Karen, Chad, Kristy and families, We are so sorry for your loss. We remember the wonderful family gatherings of long ago with the Towers sisters. Wishing you deep peace. Take care.