Wayne W. Volla

Wayne Wesley Volla, 82, of Clifford, passed away Monday, December 13, 2010, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. Wayne Wesley Volla, the son of Henry and Ruth (Mitchell) Volla, was born February 10, 1928, in the farm home near South Heart, ND. He lived in the Daglum community during the Depression years until his family relocated to Blanchard in 1938. Wayne attended a country school in Blanchard through 8th grade and two years at Hillsboro High School before he and his brother Merlin left home to work out on their own. They worked in the potato fields of the Red River Valley, in a lead and silver mine in Idaho, and on the construction of the Carl Ben Eielson Airfield near Fairbanks, Alaska. They picked apples in Washington, and returned to North Dakota in 1949. With their savings, they made a down payment on two quarters of farmland in Traill County and started farming. Merlin resided at this farmstead for the rest of his life. Wayne, Merlin, and for the past 27 years, son Steve, established and operated Tower View Farms. From 1951-1953, Wayne served in the Korean War. His experiences there gave him a different perspective on life and the future. When he returned, he met a pretty blonde schoolteacher at a school Christmas program and asked her out. Seven months later, Wayne married Beverly Grinde on July 11, 1954 and their life journey began. Wayne contributed a progressive attitude and a persuasive approach as an involved member of the community. He served on the Clifford Elevator Board for 35 years, providing leadership at key decision times. Wayne served on the Traill County Water Users Board, the Norman Lutheran Church Council, and the Clifford Development Corporation. Wayne was a member of the American Legion. As a farmer and community leader, Wayne was a visionary. He pursued multiple options in addressing challenges and took a firm stance in what he believed. Wayne was respected for his wisdom and resourcefulness. Wayne’s determination and zeal for life were especially evident when he, with the support of his wife and the miracle of healing, overcame a quadriplegic spinal injury and walked out of the hospital 17 years ago. For the past 12 years, Parkinson’s gradually slowed down his body, but not his mind and spirit. He remained an active co-manager with his son on the farm until his death. Family, friends and a good game of pinochle were highlights of Wayne’s life. “Every Tuesday” breakfasts at the Galesburg Café and now Paula’s in Mayville were treasured times with special friends. His competitive nature was never quite satisfied, no matter how many games of pinochle he could play in a day. But family was his passion and Wayne was liberal in his love and generosity with his wife and each of his children and grandchildren. Wayne leaves behind his wife, Beverly, and four children, Sterling (Barb) Volla of Moorhead, Donalee (Kirby) Josephson of Redwood Falls, MN, Laurie (Jeff) Riley of Wenatchee, WA, and Steve (Tammy) Volla, Mayville; grandchildren, Austin and Ruby Volla, Jenna Lee (Steve) Clappier, Tyler and Whitney Josephson, Serena Riley, and Brian, Dallas and Jessica Volla; sister Joyce Lunde, and eight nieces and three nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Merlin. Visitation: 5-7 PM Friday, December 17, 2010 with a prayer service at 7 PM at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel, Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Norman Lutheran Church, Clifford, ND. Interment: Norman Cemetery, Clifford, ND.