Arnold "Arn" Lee Vollmer passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at the age of 98. He was born on July 12, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to Arnold A. and Dorothea C. Vollmer. Arn once wrote, “My goal was to live a life of faith.”

Arn attended Lane Tech College Prep High School, where athletics were an early passion. He often shared that more than 200 boys tried out for the basketball team — and he proudly earned the #6 spot. He later attended Wright College of Chicago and Purdue University through the GI Bill. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Arn often said, “I won the lottery twice,” having married two wonderful women in his lifetime. He married Violet Riedel on September 3, 1949, in Chicago,Illinois and together they built a loving family. Later in life, he married Carrol Aaberg Holen on July 18, 1992, in McFarland, Wisconsin. Carrol brought renewed companionship, laughter, and joy to Arn’s life, and he adored her deeply. Together they shared many happy years rooted in faith, friendship, and family.

Arn worked for a number of construction companies helping build dams, bridges, and buildings before serving as a civil engineer for the State of Wisconsin, where he eventually retired. He was known as steady, devoted, calm, and someone who always had a smile on his face.

Family was at the center of Arn’s life. He and Violet raised their children in the Christian faith, teaching them the importance of kindness, service, and love for others. The family's trusty Chevy transported six children to countless activities and family adventures. He loved attending his grandchildren’s performances and sporting events and took pride in being present for the people he loved. In his own words, “Each of you was a gift of love from God.”

Arn found joy in simple pleasures — dancing, concerts, plays, fish fries, bowling, reading, Sudoku, and watching every sport possible. He loved the outdoors, especially golfing, fishing, camping, biking, canoeing, walking, and bird watching. He faithfully served as a Scout Leader for Troop 53. Later in life, he also enjoyed playing handball with friends.

Arn is survived by his wife, Carrol Vollmer; his children Paul Vollmer (MaryAnn), Vicky Beyler (Larry), John Vollmer (Danette), Janet Gschwend (Ron), Valerie Rouse, and Mark Vollmer (Barb); 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren, along with many relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet Vollmer; daughter Baby Girl Vollmer; son Steve Vollmer, Sr.; daughter Lori Holen; daughter-in-law Martha Vollmer; son-in-law Roger Rouse; brother Richard K. Vollmer; parents Arnold A. and Dorothea C. Vollmer; grandson Gabriel Vollmer; and many friends and relatives.

Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd., McFarland, WI 53558, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m and then a luncheon. Arn will be laid to rest at the Upper McFarland Cemetery following services.

For those who wish to honor Arn with a memorial, you may consider McFarland Lutheran Church, Child Life Ministries at McFarland Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.

If you are not able to join us in person, please register at the following link to view the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=d5d11a5c-1b19-43ca-8be7-591e834db9eb.

Cress Funeral Service

2501 Hwy 51, PO Box 105, McFarland, WI 53558

608-838-0655