Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Volk, Perushek, Hinkle, Capote
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 1/13/2016
Albert Volk to Observe Birthday (100 years - 14 January 2016)
Albert Volk to observe 100th Birthday
Albert Volk of Neillsville strikes a pose Thursday in the home on Opelt Avenue he shares with his niece and her husband. Volk is set to observe his 100th birthday Thursday, Jan. 14. (Photo by Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)
By Amber Pischer and Todd Schmidt
Albert A. Volk of Neillsville will observe his 100th birthday Thursday, Jan. 14.
Albert was born in Willard 100 years ago at the home of his parents, Frank and Mary Volk. He attended rural schools in Willard and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1933. Albert said he is the last surviving member of his high school class.
Albert moved on to Eau Claire Teacher’s College for one year, obtaining his teacher’s license from the department of education in Madison. He taught for six years at schools in North Willard and North Mound. He then returned to college for one year.
In May 1941, Albert received notice from Washington, D.C., regarding an employment position with the government. In September 1941, he was drafted into the U. S. Army. He was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, receiving his honorable discharge in December 1945.
“After my years in Panama’s tropical climate, I recall the winter of 1945 as being extremely cold,” Albert said. “I am very proud of my service in the army.”
Albert glows when displaying his army jacket adorned with good conduct and other medals.
Albert returned to teaching for three years (one year in Baldwin and two years in Willard) before receiving a position in the Tariff Bureau at the state capitol in Madison. He worked there until he retired.
Albert married Pauline Perushek June 27, 1953, at the Willard Catholic Church. There were married for 44 years; Pauline passed away in 1997.
After Pauline’s death, Albert made his home in Neillsville with his niece and her husband Steve and Mary Hinkle. They reside on Opelt Avenue, a few miles southwest of Neillsville.
Albert and Pauline were avid golfers. They played together once per week at various courses in the Madison area.
He also liked to visit the casino in Black River Falls. Until he turned age 95, Albert enjoyed playing craps, blackjack and slot machines.
His hobbies now include reading newspapers and doing crossword puzzles. His favorite book is “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote.
Albert likes to watch baseball on television. He also has a dog and a cat to take care of.
Albert comes from a family of 11 children. He is the only one surviving.
He credits his long life to regular exercise, a good diet and excellent care from Steve and Mary and tow regular caretakers, Nancy and Mary. They are planning a private birthday party for Albert this week, with a big birthday shindig coming this summer.
