John Stanley Voelker, 84, of Big Rapids, went to be with his Savior on Thursday, May 17, 2012. He was born July 29, 1927 in Reed City, Michigan "" son of Stanley and Mary (Hainbecker) Voelker. John graduated from Reed City High School where he was a member of the all-state basketball team. After high school (1945), he enlisted in the US Navy and served until 1946. Upon returning, he took an agricultural short course at Michigan State University 1947 - 1949. He then worked for Morrissey John Deere in Comstock Park. Next he worked with this father at Voelker Implements in Reed City. He married Donna Sengelaub in October 1951 in Reed City. He started his own John Deere dealership "" Voelker Implement Sales "" soon after. John and Donna raised their family in Big Rapids. John was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served on committees and was a deacon for many years. He also served on the Hospital Board for 12 years. He was a board member of Ohio Michigan Equipment Dealers Association in the 1980's. John was actively involved in the dealership, coming in and working every day, right up through 2011. He loved farming and fishing; both things he enjoyed doing at the family farm. He loved music, singing, going to equipment auctions, traveling with Donna and watching the grandchildren play sports. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna; his children, Bill (Kerry) Voelker, Steve (Sheral) Voelker, Mary (Mike) Davison, Tim (Jeanette) Voelker and Joe (Lisa) Voelker. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren; Jeff, Megan, Sherra, Michael, Sandon, Erica, Eric, Kyle, Lauren and Brooke; 2 great-grandchildren Braden and Benjamin and his only sister, Helen Massey. John was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Mary along with brother-in-law Charles Massey. The family will greet friends on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. all at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 21st at the First Baptist Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Bruce Peterson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name can be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, Jim and Cathy Metzler, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, Florida 32862-8200 or the First Baptist Church of Big Rapids.