Bernard John Voll II

Bernard “Barney” John Voll II, 67, passed away peacefully at home following a four-year battle with cancer. In the days preceding his death, Barney received many visits and phone calls from family and friends. Shortly before his passing, he was on a FaceTime call with his children in Phoenix and California.  Although Barney expected to watch the Orange Bowl football playoff between Notre Dame and Penn State in his living room, he was called to a better seat where he quite possibly influenced the winning outcome for Notre Dame. 

Barney was born on May 6, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana, to William and Virginia (McIntyre) Voll, the eighth of eleven children. He was preceded in death by both parents; an older brother, Bill Voll; an older sister, Mary Voll Fisher; and a brother-in-law, Glenn Platz.

Barney graduated from St. Joseph High School, South Bend, IN. He attended St. Joseph Rensselaer College, Rensselaer, Indiana, and the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.

Barney’s employment career spanned several states and included a myriad of occupations from foundry worker in the family business to joint owner-operator with his wife, June, of a dumpster business in South Bend. He worked in the oil fields of Wyoming and rehabilitated mobile homes for oil field workers, drove trucks cross-country, oversaw a paddlefish caviar operation with June in North Dakota, was a trucking logistics manager in North Dakota and later in Michigan. He worked for a boat rental business in Utah and performed a variety of other jobs. His most memorable experience was working for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Barney served as a production assistant for ABC Sports by day and was on the snow removal team at night. He was thrilled to be part of an historic event.

Barney liked nothing better than to have a good time with friends and family. He delighted in get-togethers with his buddies, parties and concerts and was usually the instigator. He was sociable and made friends easily. Barney also liked to travel around the United States, especially to national and state parks where he enjoyed meeting people and appreciated the history, changing landscapes and natural beauty. His preferred states were Alaska and Utah.

Barney often referred to himself as the family’s Black Sheep or as Saint Bernard.  He was certainly no saint and, like most of us, had his misdeeds and his transgressions. However, Barney was always willing to give a helping hand. During his cancer battle, he was strong, incredibly determined and positive. He did not complain and was grateful for the help and support he received. He fought the good fight but now, according to his favorite singer-songwriter, Bob Segar, Barney has “Turned the Page.”   

Barney is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, June Sheaks; seven children, Ryan (Heather) Voll, Kristen Voll, Lauren (Johnny) Bylina, Michelle (Stacy) Hardesty, Randy (Katy) Sheaks, Renee (Nate) Miller, Robbie Sheaks; eleven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Cindy Voll, his former spouse; eight siblings; two sisters-in-law; six brothers-in law; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Barney will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (EST) at Pine Creek Church of the Brethren, 25075 Stanton Road, North Liberty, Indiana 46554 (Tel: 574-784-2806). At 10:00 a.m. (EST), one hour before the service, there will be a slideshow of Barney’s life at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family of Bernard Voll requests donations be made to the I.U. Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Pease make memorial gifts payable to: I.U. Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer Research. Please indicate “In memory of Bernard J. Voll II” on your gift. Mail to: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his arrangements.

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