Harold F. Voelpel

Obituary of Harold F. Voelpel Harold F. Voelpel, age 86, of Newfane, passed away peacefully at his home under Hospice Care on Sunday, April 15, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Born April 29, 1925 in Amherst, he is the son of the late Howard and Gertrude (Fahning) Voelpel. Harold attended a one room school house in Amherst. He married Jeanne Marie Gallagher September 29, 1956 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Wendelville. Jeanne died February 9, 1988. Harold married Betty Culverwell Gillis, July 1, 1989 at the First Baptist Church in Newfane. Harold was in the US Navy during WWII achieving the rank of Machinists Mate 3rd Class. He was a proud member of the SeaBees. Harold started his farming career in Amherst on Schoelles Road in 1946. He planted his first crop of cabbage in 1948 and has continuously planted cabbage for the last 64 years. Harold had a lifelong passion for farming and watching his crops grow. He also enjoyed his farm dogs, cats and cattle. Harold owned and operated Voelpel Farms, Inc. in Newfane for the past 47 years. He loved working out of doors and driving around to the different planted fields in the area. He enjoyed breakfast at the restaurant with the men. He is survived by his wife, Betty Voelpel. Dear father of: John H. (Erin C.) Voelpel of Newfane and Jane M. Voelpel of Olcott. Grandfather of: Katelynn, Kirsten and Kassidy Voelpel. Sister of Doris Thomson of Marietta, OH and the late Grace Coleman. Step father of: Alice (Walter) Perski of Lockport, Doris Arnold of Newfane, Kenneth A. (Toni) Gillis of Newfane and the late Gladys Doxey. Step grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in Pendleton, NY. Arrangements entrusted to the Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Niagara Hospice of Lockport, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 or to Save a Pet, P.O. Box 114, Newfane, NY 14108. Send proof to georgiana.sherrie@dignitymemorial.com