David John Vohlken

David John Vohlken, 86, of Rensselaer, IN passed away Dec. 20, 2023 at George Ade Memorial Health Care Center. He was born on May 18, 1937 in Freeport, IL to John Henry Vohlken and Estella (Rawleigh) Vohlken. He was a graduate of Freeport High School.

Growing up he had a paper route; worked on Uncle Gitz’s Farm; Hawes Bottling Co.; Structo Toy Factory; and Vohlken Bros. Dairy. He served on the State of Illinois Youth Commission.

He earned his bachelor of science degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL in 1959. He was the editor of the Bradley University student newspaper, the SCOUT; and was Chaplain of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He also served as an Illinois Hunter Safety Instructor.

In Rensselaer David worked for Culligan Water Conditioning; as a salesman for Ennis Real Estate; as a broker for Century 21 Real Estate, et al; he was the City of Rensselaer Building Commissioner; and a Habilitation Trainer for CDC Resources, Inc. He served as the president of the Rensselaer Plan Commission; president of the Rensselaer Lions Club; president of the Jasper/Newton Board of Realtors; president of the Rensselaer F.O.E.; a board member of Jasper Co. Community Services; and Rensselaer’s Coordinator for Disabled.

David enjoyed hunting, fishing (especially for carp with his buddies Claude, Butch and Stan), Indian artifacts, and playing pool. He had an incessant desire for learning, teaching and writing. He wrote and submitted articles for Central States Archaeological Journal.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Clare (Smith) Vohlken; three children: David John Vohlken, Jr. of Graham, WA, Jennifer Estelle Hilbert (husband Rob) of Brookville, IN and John Henry Vohlken of Rensselaer, IN; and two grandsons, Evan John Hilbert and Jacob William Hilbert, both of Brookville, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Todd Charles Vohlken.

Per David’s wishes no services are scheduled. Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the cremation arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the Vohlken family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.