Aileen Lois Voelz

Aileen Lois Voelz, age 82, of Mankato passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020. Private family services will be held at a future date. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Aileen Lois Jans was born Christmas morning, December 25, 1937 to Andrew and Emilie Jans in Anamoose, ND, a sister to 3 older brothers. She was raised and educated in Drake, ND, where she became an accomplished pianist and gave piano lessons to many children over several years in Drake, and the surrounding communities. Aileen was a pianist and organist in the churches that she belonged to over many years and often directed children’s Christmas programs at those churches. 

In her first marriage she gave birth to 3 children, Timothy, Thomas and Tracy Filler. After her children started school she followed her desire to become a teacher by enrolling at Minot State College, there she received her degree in Elementary education and Music education.  Aileen taught in Towner, ND from approximately 1971-1981 and in Drake, ND from 1981-1983. She then divorced, and went on to earn her master’s degree in education at the University of ND. She relocated to Mankato, MN where she taught briefly at Mankato State and was an Elementary Principal at Waldorf-Pemberton Public Elementary School. 

It was in Mankato where she reunited with her high school sweetheart Richard Voelz, and they were married in 1985 until Dick’s passing in July of 2006. Aileen and Dick shared many common interests such as their love for traveling and the outdoors and camping, which they did often with their grandchildren. Her love of sports and music, especially when the grandchildren were the participants meant attending as many of their events as possible. 

Aileen was involved with United Methodist Women’s Organization for many years serving as President of her conference for a period of time. After the passing of her husband, Aileen lived in North Mankato until 4 1/2 years ago when a house proved too much for the onset of her Alzheimer’s so she became a resident of Primrose Retirement and Assisted Living Community and she resided there until her death. 

Aileen is survived by her children, Timothy Filler, Thomas (Shannon) Filler, Tracy (Steve) Heidrich; 5 step-children; grandchildren, Dustin (Nicole) Filler, Hollie (Nick Kohlsgraf) Filler, Tyler Filler, Emilie Filler, Cole Filler, Melissa (David) O’Hara, Kristin (David) Burt, Jadin (Thomas) Stromme; 7 step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Graham O’Hara, Dannielle Filler, Logan and Ashley Kohlsgraf, Milo Burt; 3 step-great-grandchildren. Aileen is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Emilie Jans; husband, Richard Voelz; brothers, Edmund, Melvin, and Verland; son-in-law, Thomas Schettler.