John Volkhausen     Previous   Next   Roll Call     click on picture for full-size view

Deceased

1997 recap. Wife Martha, children Jeanne and Jeffrey.  Graduated Williams College ('61).  Served in US Marine Corp ('62-'68).  Worked in apparel industry at Hathaway, Manhattan Shirt Co, Adolfo, and Today's Man.  Owns summer home at China Lake, Maine.  Likes Golf, boats, swimming, Boston Red Sox and Celtics.  Coached Little League Baseball

   1995 photo of Pete Jessup, John Volkhausen and Pete SchipaPhoto provided by Martha Volkhausen via Pete Jessup.

 

 


The following is a letter from Martha Volkhausen to Van (Carol)

Text Box:  Mrs John W Volkhausen
 190 Fox Hollow Road
 Wyckoff, New Jersey 07481


 August 20, 1997
 Dear Van,

   When your letter arrived today with the latest info on the HGHS reunion
 I realized you weren’t aware of the sad news. John Passed away suddenly 
 on April 18th, in his sleep (his wish) from a pulmonary embolism. He 
 never knew what hit him - thank goodness, and was recuperating from a 
 90 min. surgery 3 weeks prior for an intestinal blockage. His check-up 
 was great and he was ready, though weak, to return to his new full-time 
 job at "Today’s Man".
   He had started this job March 5th, was top sales person for the month, 
 and I received a bonus "incentive" check after his death! After Adolfo 
 went bankrupt in May ’94, he was out of work for 2 ½ years, part-time 
 only & not much of that. "Down-sizing" was the reason along with this 
 business with NAFTA and China making employment for garment 
 workers (union) non-existent in the Northeast.
   Peter Jessup (his best friend) drove from Chicago for the funeral, and 
 spoke of all his HGHS friends, we were in each others weddings 32 
 years earlier. Still see each other twice a year (he comes here on Father’s 
 Day on route to R.I.). Friends & family are great.
   Jeannie is 27 – married Scott 9/9/96 - and the wedding was super. 
 At least he got to walk her down the aisle & enjoyed the recognition -
 dancing the night away - as usual!
   Jeff is 20 - is at home, working in a café nearby to learn the 
 restaurant business & just followed his favorite band, "PHISH" across 
 country, ah, youth!
   Pete wanted me to attend the reunion, but I don’t want to rain on the 
 parade, so just party away - know John will be there, and he was so fond 
 of all of his Horace Greeley friends. Raise a beer (or two) to him, and we 
 will too! Fondly, Martha