Iryl Verlene (Hunter) Voelte

Iryl Verlene Hunter Voelte, 94 years of age, passed away quietly on March 2, 2019, after many years of loving her family and friends who loved her dearly back.



Iryl was born March 29, 1924, on the family farm near Albion, Nebraska, to Ruth Elsa (Peterson) and Elon Ward Hunter, the first of two children. She enjoyed her farm days except for the sheep and geese. Her brother Daryl Thomas Hunter was also born on the farm. In 1932, the family moved into Albion. After her father died in 1937, her mother, brother, and she moved to Omaha. While at North High School ('41), she met Donald Rudolph Voelte, who went to Technical High School ('38). They had a good time dancing at Peony Park and, after shows at the Orpheum and Paramount, eating at the Blackstone Hotel. They married on September 4, 1943. Don worked at his craft as a printer; Iryl was a telephone operator.



Four children arrived to Iryl's and Don's pleasure: Janet, JoAnn, Donald Jr., and Diane. Iryl and Don made sure all four children earned college degrees. Iryl particularly loved her companions in Clifton Hill Presbyterian Church where she was a long-time member and held several church offices. She continued to meet with those friends until only recently when her health prevented it. In later years she also took comfort from services and great friendships at Northwest Hills Church and Ridgewood Retirement Community. She also liked card games and golfing and even had a hole in one. She was an absolutely passionate Husker fan, having a fantastic time going to the games on Saturday.



Iryl gave and gave. She took care of her mother until her passing. When her husband Don had a stroke in 1986 just after they had both retired, she took care of him until his passing in 1998. She also worked as a volunteer for the Nebraska Humane Society. She never met a cat or dog that she didn't love.



Iryl was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother. She is survived by her daughters Janet (Peter Staiger), JoAnn (Robert Washa), and Diane (Bruce Fields) and her son Don (Nancy Keegan). She has been blessed with two grandchildren: Nicole Fields and Kevin Voelte who, with Courtney Voelte, has given her four great grandchildren--Colt, Cade, Katelyn, and Kevin Jr. Her sister-in-law, Rosalie Hunter, also survives her as well as numerous nieces and nephews.



The family deeply appreciates the people who helped Iryl to have a high-quality and happy life during her final years.



Arrnagements entrusted to John A. Gentleman Mortuaries & Crematory.