Paula Marie Volkmer

Paula Marie Volkmer, of Rolla, MO, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at the age of 61. She was born on July 30, 1963 in Jefferson City, MO to P.J. and Linda Mertens (Williams). Paula Married Eric Kevin Volkmer on September 28, 1985 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rolla, MO. Paula was preceded in death by her father P.J. Mertens and brother Dennis Louis Mertens.

Public Service has been a huge part of the Volkmer and Mertens families. Her husband Eric, her father-in-law Paul Volkmer, her father P.J. Mertens and her brother Scott Mertens all retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Paula’s oldest son Paul Volkmer currently serves with the Patrol. Her younger son, John Volkmer served in the US Army and is now a Network Engineer for El Paso County Colorado. Her daughter, Erica inherited Paula’s strong work ethic, with her career at United States Geological Survey, her ownership of a local restaurant, and her willingness to help her friends and family in need.

Paula embraced the Mertens & Volkmer legacies of service and was a dedicated public servant for over 42 years. She worked for 35 years at the Rolla Police Department where she retired as the Communications Chief. She then went on to serve for the Phelps County Emergency Services Board for 7 years and was a chairman on that board at the time of her death. She was well loved and respected by the law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services and communications communities throughout Missouri. Paula also served the community for many years as a leader in Club Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Paula was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Rolla, MO. She found time to serve the church and school community there. She was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

Despite her many community accomplishments, she was most proud of the family her and Eric built. It was important to her that her children live the values that her and Eric instilled in them and that they too are active in their communities. She absolutely adored her grandchildren, nephews & nieces. Several of their friends only knew her as mom or Aunt Paula. To know Paula was to know that her family was her world, and nothing made her happier than spending time with all of them.

Paula will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes her husband, Eric Volkmer of Rolla MO; son Paul Volkmer and wife Gina of Rolla, MO; son John Volkmer of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter Erica Volkmer of Rolla, MO; grandchildren Drake and Eleanor Volkmer of Rolla, MO; mother Linda Mertens of Rolla MO; brother Scott Mertens and wife Melinda of Rolla MO; sister Tracey Davies and husband Tim of Liberty MO. Sister-in-law Paula Gibson and partner Chip Perry of Lexington, MO; sister-in-law Julie Evans and husband Gary of Lake Ozark, MO; brother-in-law Robert Volkmer of Jefferson City, MO, along with an abundance of nephews and nieces.

Paula will also be missed by the many friends and extended family that she held so dear to her heart over the years.

She was so wonderful.

A funeral service for Paula will be conducted at 11am on Friday, January 3, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rolla. Meal will follow in the Parish Hall. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 9-11am at St. Patrick’s Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society - Hope Lodge, Kansas City Missouri 1120 Pennsylvania Avenue