Florian "Flo" Volk

Florian “Flo” Volk, 73, of Aberdeen, SD, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, December 22nd, 2025. Florian's wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 18th at 2:00 PM at the former Central Labor Union building at 617 S 15th St. in Aberdeen.

Florian Volk was born April 20th, 1952, on the kitchen table at home in Hague, ND, to George and Mary Volk, and his arrival was so exciting that his older sister Marilyn attempted to sell tickets to the event.

The family moved to Aberdeen, SD, in the mid-1950s, where Florian attended public school at Lincoln Elementary, Simmons Junior High, and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1970.

Florian's work history goes back to his childhood when he began delivering the newspaper, then delivering pizzas for Pizza Inn, and managing Saint Mary's Youth Center. Florian then worked at Safeguard Foundry, the Dakota Farmer, and as an upholstery apprentice learning the ropes from Jim Cliff and “a blind upholsterer.”

In the late 1970s, Florian began working at Dakota Midland Hospital, where he met the love of his life, Janet Schwalbe, in the fall of 1979. They were married on March 21st, 1980, and their son Nicholas was born in the fall of 1981.

Florian started Volk Upholstery in December of 1981, moving to a shop on north Main St. in January of 1984. Florian was injured while moving a sleeper sofa into the shop and was forced to close down.

In 1985, Florian began attending Northern State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology in December 1990 from Northern State University. During his time at NSC/NSU, he was president of Epsilon Pi Tau Fraternity and was involved in the placement of the rainbow at Storybook Land.

He was also president of the NSC Industrial Education Club. While at Northern, Florian worked at the Library Bar as a janitor and doorman. Just before graduation, Florian started working as a vocational instructor at the Adjustment Training Center and continued doing his upholstery work part-time on the side. Florian left the ATC in 1996, working a short time at Cardinal Tool, then re-opening Volk Upholstery. In 1993, the Volks helped a friend start an antique store in Aberdeen called Heirlooms Etc. at the Depot. They assisted her occasionally and helped close the business in 2005.

As a result of a foot injury and failing health, Florian passed Volk Upholstery onto his son Nick, who continues to operate the business Today.

Florian loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. Florian took Nick along on these trips and was instrumental in helping Nick to teach his girls to hunt and fish. He loved to tag along on hunting and fishing excursions. Despite his health, Florian always maintained a positive and upbeat outlook his entire life. His alter ego was Santa Claus. When he put on his suit, which was custom-made, he transformed into Santa Claus. “Santa” made many visits over the years.

In May of 2025, Florian was the second post-trial recipient of the first leadless, wireless Abbott pacemaker at Sanford Heart Hospital. It was his mission to share this new technology with everyone he met. It is the first pacemaker to go inside the heart itself.

Florian fought a short battle with cancer and spent his final days surrounded by his family and friends in his home. He wanted everyone to know “that I lived my life on my terms” and that he lived “one hell of a life.”

Florian is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet; son Nick (Nicole)Volk, granddaughters Jada and Maci; Special Family Sarah (Morgan) Metzinger; siblings Geraldine Glaser, Mel (Pat) Volk, Lori (Rick Shackle) Volk; Sisters in law Linda (Terry) Salfrank, Lisa Van Beek, and many generations of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marilyn Hildebrand, Father and Mother-in-law Lew and Lila Schwalbe, and nephew Doug Glaser.

Florian’s family is grateful to Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory for their expert care in handling his final arrangements.