John Voeller

John Anton Voeller, the son of Anton and Anastasia (Wentz) Voeller was born on June 16, 1940 in Rugby, North Dakota. He died at the age of 86 years on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

John was raised in Knox, where he attended school before going on to work and help at the family farm. He met his future wife, who was a neighbor a few miles away. After they were married, they lived in Grand Forks for a short time, then returned to the farm and started their family. They moved to Granville, where they raised their children. When their marriage ended, John returned to the farm, then moved to Washington state where he worked as a machinist and also at a hospital. After he retired, he moved back to North Dakota and lived in Minot until the 2011 flood, then made his final home in Rugby, where he currently resided.

John was a member of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards, woodworking and occasionally gambling. He liked to stay busy and active. John was a quiet man who had a kind, warm demeanor and a welcoming look with his eyes and smile. He would do anything for anyone and was a loyal friend. His family was important to him and he loved spending time with his grandchildren and family, whom he was so proud of. In the community, you could find John at church, community suppers or out for coffee. His presence will be missed.

John is survived by his children, Debra (Kevin) Skelly of Velva and Daniel Voeller of Granville; grandchildren, Casey (Hannah) Skelly, Nicholas Skelly, Courtney (Jesse) Dalen and Koby Voeller; great grandchildren, Carter Voeller, Arya, Molly and Payton Skelly, Brooklynn, Emma and Monroe Dalen. Sisters, Phylis Fettig of Jamestown and Bertha (Paul) Yoder of Minnesota; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel; sisters, Delores, Marlene and Agnes; infant siblings, Daniel, Anton, Anton & Anna and Mary and his parents.

Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 31 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the church cemetery and lunch and fellowship to follow in the church basement.

Father Peter Nau, Celebrant. Organist: Laurie Volk. Vocal Leader: Luke Schlag.

Honorary Bearers: Casey Skelly, Nicholas Skelly, Koby Voeller, Dwight Fettig, Kerry Fettig and Jesse Dalen

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, August 1, 2026.