John Richard Volksdorf

John Richard Volksdorf, 93, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 5:45 a.m. at Trail Creek Place Assisted Living, Michigan City.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN with Pastor Arlin Cochran officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until time of service Thursday at the funeral chapel.

He was born on September 15, 1931, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late Paul and Irene (Acker) Volksdorf. On September 15, 1951, at St. John's, in Michigan City, Indiana, he married Lois (Reiser) Volksdorf, who preceded him in death February 1, 2012.

Surviving are his three daughters, Kathy (Jeff) Summerlin of Trail Creek, Indiana, Bonnie (Larry) Beal of Michigan City, Indiana, and Peggy Hlibok of Columbia, Maryland; six grandchildren, Heather (CAS) Roberts, Stephanie (John) Achtmann, Madeline (Marco Rodrigues) Hlibok, Ashley (David Heller) Hlibok, Juliane Hlibok, and Bradley Hlibok; five great-grandchildren, Brittney (Seth) Kozor, Andrew (Sabrina) Roberts, Averey Achtmann, and Olivia and Ava Hlibok-Rodrigues; five great-great-grandchildren, Kai and Beau Roberts, Barrett Kozor, Farrah, and Khloe; and his beloved dog, Scooter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife. 

John attended St. Paul's and Elston High School. He was a machinist at Bernie's General Auto Shop, Seneca, St. Louis Freight Line, and Sullair. At the age of 85, John received an honorary high school diploma from the state of Indiana. He volunteered at the machine shop for the Michigan City Area School System under the shop teacher, Chris Smith. John received many awards from the school system for his efforts in providing liaison work to supply the machine shop with materials. He had a detail hand in his home machine shop, crafting miniature steam engines in his spare time. John had a small stint in racing, working on racecars, meeting friends in the industry, and attending many races. He loved to teach and share his knowledge.

Contributions may be made to Michiana Humane Society, 722 IN-212, Michigan City, Indiana 46360, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

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