Marjorie Irene "Marge" Voelker, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 96. Born April 25, 1930, she was the daughter of Raymond and Irene Heckenberg. She was married to the late Kenneth “Kenny” Gahn, and they had 5 children.
Although she faced many challenges in her early adult life (including a 22-month old son needing to be hospitalized for several months), Marge was gifted with a strong work ethic, frugality, and a motherly sense of love and devotion to overcome these challenges. She took a job working evenings at IRC to help her young family move into a better house in a nicer neighborhood, and she carefully set aside money for each of the household’s expenses. Moreover, she communicated boldly to instill the same moral standards in her children.
Once she met Jack Voelker, her life beamed with meaning, fun, and peace. The two were married on January 2, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He matched her quick wit, and he loved her children and grandchildren as he loved his own. They especially loved dancing together and boating along the Mississippi River. Jack was an excellent captain, and Marge was a great hostess on the boats, wearing her classic white visor and bringing food for their visitors.
Through the ups and downs of life, Marge remained a steady anchor to her family and had a bold, bright personality. Her quick smile and playful laugh lightened the atmosphere and were contagious to all around her. She was keen to care for her family and community, hosting Sunday dinners for elderly neighbors and family, taking friends who couldn’t drive to the grocery store, and always keeping ice cream in the freezer and candy dishes full for visitors - especially grandchildren.
Her frugal (and particular) way of living that served her well to run the home in her early life continued into her later years. She had a couple of trunks at her home full of gifts that she would find on clearance: garden gloves, clothing accessories, bedroom slippers, sometimes even jewelry. The more practical, the better. At Christmas, we wouldn’t finish unwrapping our gift, and she would blurt out what it was and “if you don’t like it, the cash register receipt is in the box so you can return it.”
At holiday potlucks, it was important to have plates with dividers so our food won’t touch, the dishwasher had to be loaded a certain way, holiday décor should be just a certain way and color, and the garage code should be a swear word because no one will guess it… No, she wasn’t bossy; she just had better ideas!
She was never afraid of making a bold statement or asking a bold question. But those who knew her never had to question her love. She knew exactly who she was, what she liked, and who she loved. She loved fiercely. Even in her last days, she spoke of her care for her children.
Survivors include her children, David Gahn (Susan) of Crosslake, MN, Karen Glasgow of Des Moines, Kyle Gahn of Burlington, Craig Gahn of Cantril, Iowa, and Kristine Niehaus (Steve) of Winter Haven, Fla.; grandchildren Marcus, Rachel, Tyler, Amber, Tiffany, and Stephanie, along with their families; two stepchildren, and many other nieces, nephews, and step family members.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Voelker; siblings, Loren Heckenberg, Doris Riffel, and Cheryl Levinson.
The memorial service for Marge will be Saturday, July 25th, 11 a.m., at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, Burlington, with Mike Breese officiating. Marge will be laid to rest with Jack at Aspen Grove Cemetery. A second memorial service for Marge will be held at a later date in the Twin Cities. Service details will be announced when they are available.
A memorial has been established for University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Hope Haven, or EveryStep Hospice.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Marjorie's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.