Jon W. Vollenweider

Full Obituary

Jon Wilburt Vollenweider, 78, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and good friend, was called home to be with God on January 24th, 2026. Jon passed away peacefully with family at his side.

Jon was born on November 15th, 1947, to Wilburt and Lorraine (Formanek) Vollenweider in La Crosse, WI. He grew up in La Crescent, Minnesota, on the family-owned apple orchard with his two sisters, Pat and Rita, and had many fond memories of playing and working in the apple orchard with his family.

Jon was among the first class to graduate from La Crescent’s new high school in 1966. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at airbases in Southeast Asia during his two tours of duty during the Vietnam War.

Jon met the love of his life, Colleen Smith, soon after his return from overseas through his sister Rita. Jon and Colleen were married in 1974 and later welcomed their son, Jason, in 1976.

Jon was a very good husband to Colleen and an equally good father to Jason. They spent a lot of quality time together, enjoying the beauty of the La Crosse area, and enjoyed so many happy moments with both sides of the family. Jon particularly loved spending time outdoors, especially on hikes in Southwind orchards and fishing at the pond located there with Colleen, Jason, and other family. He loved animals and was also a good parent to the family dogs and the two pet birds over the years.

Jon had a successful career as an aircraft technician and later director of maintenance for the flight-based operations that were based at the La Crosse municipal airport. He was very good at his work, and he had many fond memories and made many good friends during his career in aviation at La Crosse.

Jon later transitioned into a different career with the La Crosse school district, working as a custodian for several of the local schools, including Emerson Elementary School and State Road Elementary School, up until his retirement in 2010. He really enjoyed interacting with the kids and cherished the friendships that he made while working there.

After retirement, Jon and Colleen spent their time hiking, kayaking, riding bicycles, going on motorcycle and car rides, hot tubbing and relaxing in their beautiful backyard. They excitedly watched the birds, squirrels, ducks, and other wildlife that would often visit their backyard. They also enjoyed some short trips with their RV and quality time with Jason and his girlfriend, Eugenia. Jon and Colleen were married for 49 years until Colleen passed away from cancer in 2024. Jon had several health challenges of his own and lived the following two years with chronic pain and the emotional burden of losing his wife and best friend, but still enjoyed the friendship of caring neighbors and his loving family.

Jon was big-hearted, stubborn, feisty, loving, caring and compassionate, talented, athletic, had a wonderful smile and laugh, had a great sense of humor, always said “I love you”, and was not afraid to say “I’m sorry”. The world is a better place because of him, and he will be greatly missed. Rest in peace! I love you, Dad!

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburt and Lorraine, his wife Colleen, his mother-in-law Marita Smith, his brother-in-law Gary Fisher, his nephew Christopher Seal, and his grandnephew Mick Skadson. Jon is survived by his son Jason (Eugenia), his two sisters Priscilla “Pat” Fisher and Rita (Mike) Overhouse, his father-in-law George Smith, his two sisters-in-law Kathy (Billy) Seal and Linda (Frank) Gillette, and brothers-in-law Tom (Sandy) Smith, Jerry (Janet) Smith and Michael (Janelle) Smith, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family is very grateful for the thorough and loving care that Jon received at Emplify Health-Gunderson. Thank you to his care provider, Theresa Cirone-Hornickel, and to his care coordinator, Kayla. The family is especially grateful to the ICU and Palliative teams for their excellent care.

A funeral service will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, WI, on Saturday, February 7th. Visitation will begin at 9 am with a prayer service beginning at 11:00 am. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either of the following: The Coulee Region Humane Society or The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse. Thank you!