Karl F. Volkmar

Lafayette - Karl Franklin Volkmar (''Butch" to family), 79, passed away in Lafayette, LA, on 9 December 2023. Karl was the son of the late Karl and Julia Volkmar; brother of Julia Helen Volkmar, John Allen Volkmar ( Kazuko, spouse) and the late William Volkmar (Karen, late spouse); uncle of Karl Glen Volkmar (Wendy, spouse), the late William Richard Volkmar, Peter John Rinehart (Lesley Chase, spouse), Paul Francis Rinehart (Kirsten Mainland, spouse) and Mark Andrew Rinehart (Lora, spouse); great uncle of thirteen. Step uncle of Andrew John Sturgeon (Carol, spouse), Randall Wallace Sturgeon (Lorrinda, spouse), and Kenneth Allen Sturgeon (Beth, spouse); step great uncle of eight and step great great uncle of one. Karl pursued various careers, with degrees in Education, Fine Arts, Business, and Art History. He received his PhD in Art History from the Ohio Sate University in 1985. He subsequently served on the faculties of the University of Wyoming, New Mexico Sate University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and the University of Louisiana Lafayette, where he retired in 2016. His passion for life was evident in his teaching in his commitment to students, family, and folk dancing. He traveled extensively across the U.S. and abroad to participate in various dance events and festivals, connecting with those he met as well as family and friends. He also loved the outdoors, and was active in walking, biking, hiking and camping. Karl was a truly unique individual and will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know, travel, or dance with him. Please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in Karl's memory. Memories can be posted at colligancrematory.com. Those who danced with him are encouraged to remember him as you dance together. The family is planning a private memorial at a later date.