Volkmer, Wilma Castrup Willi Volkmer died unexpectedly, but peacefully, July 19 at her home at Summit Place in Eden Prairie. Remembrances that have come to us since her death have highlighted her wit, her sincere interest in the people she met, and her welcoming and caring nature. She was those things and more. Willi was born and raised in Ripley, West Virginia and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at West Virginia University (Go Mountaineers!). She spent her working years as a counselor in community colleges, completing her 25-year career at Normandale. She was especially dedicated to the success of adult women and international students. She was a keen proponent of the unique opportunities community colleges offer and worked with her students to achieve them. Willi met Will at the wedding of her Alpha Phi sister and his Delta Upsilon brother. Lt. Volkmer was stationed in Alaska at the time, so romance blossomed through letters and audio tapes. Married June 8, 1957, they began their union driving from West Virginia to Alaska, after which they were sure their relationship would stand the test of time. It did, indeed, for 60 years during which they welcomed their daughter Susan; moved to Florida, Colorado, and Minnesota with Honeywell; traveled the world; motorhomed the U.S. and Canada; and boated every body of water they could find. All the while, they were making lifelong friends and wonderful memories that, along with their beloved family, sustained them for the rest of their lives. After Will died in 2017, Willi focused on maintaining friendships, reading, cherishing time with Susan and her family, and keeping a close and wary eye on the state of our nation (Vote!). Willi was preceded in death by husband Will, infant daughter Pamela Ann, parents Grover and Lucille Castrup, and sister-in-law Iva Volkmer. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Susan and Jim Ahrens, grandson Fred Ahrens, brother-in-law Eldon Volkmer, dear cousins in Minnesota and Texas, and cherished childhood friends in West Virginia. A life well-lived and well-loved has ended. Please consider honoring Willi with a gift to the Minnesota Orchestral Association or the Music Ministry of Colonial Church. A small gathering of family and friends will be held in September.