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Regular Session, 2013
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 162
BY SENATOR PETERSON
CONDOLENCES. Express condolences upon the passing of David R. Voelker.
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the2
death of David R. Voelker.3
WHEREAS, born May 13, 1953, David Voelker was a native of Providence,4
Louisiana, to Frank Voelker Jr., and Virginia Wilson Voelker, and spent his adult life in5
New Orleans; and6
WHEREAS, his numerous and successful community endeavors included support7
to the Academy of Sacred Heart, Stone Energy, Children's Hospital, Xavier University,8
Tulane University Health Sciences Center, The Good Shepherd School, and the University9
of New Orleans Foundation; and10
WHEREAS, David Voelker, an investment banker by trade, was appointed in 200611
by Governor Kathleen Blanco, to chair the Louisiana Recovery Authority dedicated to12
rebuilding Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, and became known as13
the "great saint of Louisiana's recovery"; and14
WHEREAS, he was active in a variety of nonprofit boards in the New Orleans metro15
area, and a prolific political contributor, favoring national republican party causes, but also16
contributed to numerous state and federal democratic politicians and directives; and17
WHEREAS, in 2007 Mr. Voelker brokered an agreement, leading to New Orleans18 SR NO. 162
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and the state creating a fund with more than two million dollars to pay for a civil rights1
judgement that threatened to bankrupt the Orleans parish district attorney's office; and2
WHEREAS, Mr. Voelker was a man with an extraordinay character, described as3
extremely jovial and generous, and focused on the improvement of humanity; and4
WHEREAS, Nick Mueller, president of the National World War II Museum, referred5
to Mr. Voelker as a strong Museum board chairman, who led the charge when the Museum6
was in crisis, and assisted to expand the Museum's rebuilding efforts; and7
WHEREAS, among the numerous projects attached to his generosity is the Miracle8
League, a baseball organization at Audubon Park for children with special needs that now9
has more than two hundred and fifty participants and growing; and10
WHEREAS, Mr. Voelker helped the League to raise private funds, along with getting11
the Audubon Institute to donate land for a customized field, allowing the children to watch,12
play, and experience special outings with their family and community; and13
WHEREAS, described as a compassionate man by Jefferson Parish Attorney Paul14
Connick, Mr. Voekler was referred to as a man who always answered a needed call; and15
WHEREAS, in addition to community and state efforts, Mr. Voelker was known by16
many whom he helped receive healthcare assistance, school tuition, and support in17
identifying and retaining reliable jobs; and18
WHEREAS, close friend Boysie Bollinger said, "David would be most proud of the19
Legacy Foundation he created, allowing residents to indicate their wish to be an organ donor20
by signing the back of their Louisiana driver's license", a concept since exported to other21
states; and22
WHEREAS, Mr. Voelker is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife Richelle23
Voekler, his three daughters, Mullady, Audrey and Kitty Voekler, and their mother Ann24
Donnelly Stuart, a stepson Stephen Crow and stepdaughter Lisa Crow; two brothers, Frank25
Voekler and George Voekler; three sisters, Mullady Crigler, Mary Clauss, and Kitty26
Mattesky, and Dr. Marie Budev, Dr. Rafid Fadul, Dr. Mladen Golubik, and the staff of the27
Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. 28
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana29
does hereby express the sincere condolences upon the death of David R.Voelker.30 SR NO. 162
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the1
family of David R. Voelker and the doctors and staff of the Cleveland Clinic Wellness2
Institute.3
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Michelle Broussard-Johnson.
DIGEST
Peterson SR No. 162
Express condolences upon the death of David R. Voelker.