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Stories of Donors
EVERYONE HAS A STORY!
Yes, indeed, everyone has a story! There are thousands of people who have made their own embellishment on Volga, but have also had Volga embellish the lives. One person could have the indelible memory of a single encounter or event stamped on the heart. Another person could have been a lifelong, active resident of Volga. Below are stories shared by individuals or families who have gifted $1000, or businesses that have gifted $5000.
Stories
FOllon, Oliver Franklin
Oliver Franklin grew up in rural Volga, IA in the 1920s and 30s. Graduating from Volga High School in 1937 and would go on to own and operate Moore and Follon Hardware in Volga for 62 years. Oliver married Rebecca Moore in June of 1937 at the Volga United Methodist Church. They had five children, James (Karen), Sue Ellen, Elaine, Mark (Pa
Oliver Franklin grew up in rural Volga, IA in the 1920s and 30s. Graduating from Volga High School in 1937 and would go on to own and operate Moore and Follon Hardware in Volga for 62 years. Oliver married Rebecca Moore in June of 1937 at the Volga United Methodist Church. They had five children, James (Karen), Sue Ellen, Elaine, Mark (Pam) and Craig (Tracy). James and Sue graduating from Volga High School and Elaine, Mark and Craig graduating from Central Elkader.
Owning and operating the Hardware store for over sixty two years while in partnership with his brother in law, Ronald “Red” Moore for forty of those years and twenty five of those years working with his son, Craig was only a small part of his dedication to his hometown. Oliver loved his family and was very dedicated and devoted to his town and church.
Oliver served on several boards including the Volga Fire Department, many years as Fire Chief, Volga School Board, City Council, Church Council and he was treasurer of the United Methodist Church for fifty years. Volunteering was always a part of Oliver’s life. Oliver’s family wants to continue his legacy by giving back to the community that meant so much to him. This memorial to the Shaping Volga Endowment Fund will continue to give back to the community forever.
HURLEY, KENNETH JOSEPH
On April 7, 1945, a pair of sparkly Irish eyes entered the world. The sparkly, devilish eyes were those of Kenneth Joseph Hurley, the third of six children of John "Joe" and Alice (Seybert) Hurley of rural Volga, Iowa. The first eight years of Ken’s education were at St. Joseph Catholic School, Elkader; two years at Volga High School;
On April 7, 1945, a pair of sparkly Irish eyes entered the world. The sparkly, devilish eyes were those of Kenneth Joseph Hurley, the third of six children of John "Joe" and Alice (Seybert) Hurley of rural Volga, Iowa. The first eight years of Ken’s education were at St. Joseph Catholic School, Elkader; two years at Volga High School; his last two years at Elkader High School. Ken was united in marriage to Rosalyn Walz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Strawberry Point, Iowa, on June 7, 1965. Two daughters were born to this union.
Ken was a journeyman electrician, having worked thirty-six years at Donaldson Co., Oelwein, Iowa. After the plant closed in March of 2000, he worked at the Natural Resources and Conservation Services in Elkader and for Palas Fencing in Volga. Throughout his life, Ken farmed part-time.
A life-time volunteer, Ken actively and passionately served his church, community, and beyond. In his church, Ken was a lector, religious education instructor, member of the parish council, member of the Knights of Columbus, and president of the Archdiocesan Council. As a supportive co-worker, Ken was a member of UAW Local 1165, in which he was president for several years. The local community was especially blessed by Ken, as he was a member of the Volga town council as well as the Volga Community Club, assisting at any event. As a devout fireman and EMT, he served as training officer.
Even years after he climbed over the Pearly Gates, thousands of eyes still sparkle as they smile in remembrance of how Kenny touched them with his sense of humor, vibrant spirit, exemplary ways, and all of his shenanigans.
Ken’s lifelong helping spirit combined with his innate tendency as a shenanigan instigator. Upon purchasing the old Standard gas station to use as a repair/tinkering shop, it soon became popular not only as a social gathering and a project drop-off, but also a “shenanigan spin-off.”
One among many frequent recipients of Ken’s shenanigans was Ronnie Nelson of rural Volga. Ronnie was renowned to make several trips to town simply to keep up with CURRENT events. One evening, as Ken was tinkering outside his shop, he observed Ronnie pulling a wagon full of corn into town and parking it along the side of the grocery store. After noticing Ronnie being picked up by his wife to return home, and assuming Ronnie’s intention was to come back in the morning to pull the wagon the short block to the co-op, Ken walked across the street and pulled the pin out of the wagon hitch. So, when Ronnie returned to pull the wagon the next morning, the wagon did not follow the tractor! That evening, Ronnie made a special trip to Volga solely to give a royal chewing to the “blond-headed, blue-eyed, ### Hurley!”
Of course, Ken’s family -- wife, Rosalyn, Volga; two daughters, Rebecca Lynn (Scott) Rentschler, and Kimberly Jo Hurley; and two grandchildren, Bryton Boone Rentschler and Courtlyn Rose Rentschler – have had the most in-depth knowledge of Kenny Hurley’s shenanigans, although they are still hearing more and more stories from narrators who have sparkles in their eyes!