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Former Judson University trustee 'Doc' Volkman remembered

A funeral service for William "Doc" Walter Volkman, who helped establish what today is Judson University in Elgin, is set for Saturday in Glen Ellyn.

Volkman, 90, of Wheaton, died July 23. He was one of the first Judson College trustees. His construction company built the first five buildings for Judson College's Elgin campus near the Fox River. The first building erected on campus, at 1151 N. State St., still bears his name - Volkman Hall.

Born June 14, 1925 in River Forest, Volkman attended Oak Park High School, enlisted in the Naval Air Force in 1943, and helped train foreign students in navigational skills. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1952 with a law degree and as a certified public accountant on the GI bill. He worked as a tax attorney in Chicago for a few years while teaching at Northwestern.

Volkman taught business law and economics for 10 years at Wheaton College, earning him the nickname "Doc." In 2004, Wheaton College honored him with the William W. Volkman Chair of Business for his inspiration, passion and dedication.

His construction company also built many apartment buildings in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn and several motels.

"He's a bit of a genius," said Judson's first president, Benjamin Browne, speaking of Volkman's business acumen and savvy.

Volkman was part of a Bible study group that met in his home and initially became Glenbard Baptist Church, and later Village Green Baptist in Glen Ellyn.

He was founder and editor of Union Life, a free Christian magazine, for 24 years. He also wrote two books, "The Wink of Faith" (1983), a autobiographical record of his life of faith, and "Basking in His Presence" (1996), a testimony to his commitment to contemplative prayer.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Ord Harris; five children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie, in 2008; and brothers Eric and Ernie.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 22W415 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn, followed by a luncheon reception. Private interment of ashes will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Volkman's name to the Salvation Army or the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.

  A funeral service will be held Saturday for former Judson University board member William "Doc" Walter Volkman, of Wheaton, who died at age 90 on July 23. He was one of the first people to be named to the Judson College board of trustees. Volkman and his construction company built the first five buildings for Judson College (now University) located near the Fox River. The first building to be erected on campus still bears his name, Volkman Hall. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
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