Barbara Volkman

Barbara Volkman, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Greenwood, Indiana. Born on March 31, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, she grew up in Kankakee, Illinois, as the oldest of three children. A talented musician and student, she marched in the band at Kankakee High School and graduated as co-valedictorian. She went on to study chemistry at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she joined the AOII sorority, played in the band, and met her future husband, Joe.

In 1963, Barbara and Joe married and settled in Indianapolis. She worked for several years as an organic chemist at Eli Lilly, synthesizing new drugs for pain relief, before retiring to raise their children. Barbara was an enthusiastic homemaker who found joy in gardening, sewing, and baking. She was a proud marching band mom at Southport High School, supporting students with vigor, and took great delight in nurturing and guiding her children and grandchildren. Her passion for education led her to become a homeschooling mother and a tireless activist; her efforts helped draft and pass the Parent Pupil Protection Act in 1991 by the Indiana General Assembly.

A committed Christian, Barbara’s faith guided her life. She worshipped and served in the music ministry at several churches, including Lord of Life Lutheran, Mount Auburn Methodist, Community Church of Greenwood, and the Church at Stones Crossing. An avid researcher, she continually sought to deepen her understanding of the universe and its creator. Her love for Norway and Viking culture, inspired by her family’s North Dakota immigrant roots, was evident throughout her home, which was filled with books, plants, and handcrafted items that reflected a life rich in curiosity and care.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Joe Frederick Volkman; her son, Brian Finley Volkman and his wife Kristen of Muskego, Wisconsin; her daughters, Diane Volkman Magill and her husband Pat of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Catherine Ann Satre and her husband Jamie of Greenwood, Indiana; her brother, Douglas Owen; and her nine adoring grandchildren, Owen, Parker, Poppy, Finn, Evie, Andrew, Emi, DJ, and Zaine. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Evelyn Wold Owen, and her sister, Susan Fulton. She will be remembered as a beacon of intelligence and love, whose devotion to family and community leaves a lasting legacy.