Nicholas Dean Volkert, the son of Carolyn (Mitchell) Wright and Larry Volkert, was born November 1, 1988, in Cherokee, IA. His childhood years were spent in Quimby, IA, where he attended River Valley School until his junior year. He graduated from Washington High School in Cherokee in 2007. Nick loved being outdoors, whether it was fishing, golfing, playing disc golf, or tinkering with cars. He enjoyed participating in and watching demolition derby. He had a passion for people and life, and was known to have a great sense of humor. He enjoyed his position as a maintenance mechanic at Tyson Foods in Cherokee. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Erma and Alvin Volkert of Quimby; his maternal grandfather, Ira Mitchell; two aunts, Terri Volkert and Cathie Williams. Grateful to have shared his life are his parents, Larry Volkert of Quimby, and Carolyn and Phil Wright of Cherokee; his siblings: Chad and Kendra Mitchell of Cherokee, Cory Volkert and fiance Dianna Lai of Storm Lake, IA, Alex Volkert, Cally Mitchell , and Dusty Jo Wright, all of Cherokee; his nieces and nephews: LaKynn, Brailynn and Camden Mitchell, Bensley Volkert and Quinton Volkert; maternal grandmother Delora Mitchell of Washta; other family and numerous friends.