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Regular Session, 2013 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 162
BY SENATORS PETERSON, ADLEY, ALARIO, ALLAIN, AMEDEE, APPEL,
BROOME, BROWN, BUFFI NGTON, CHABERT, CL AITOR,
CORTEZ, CROWE, DONAHUE, DORSEY-COLOMB, ERDEY,
GALLOT, GUILLORY, HEITMEIER, JOHNS, KOSTELKA,
LAFLEUR, LONG, MARTINY, MILLS, MORRELL, MORRISH,
MURRAY, NEVERS, PEACOCK, PERRY, RISER, GARY SMITH,
JOHN SMITH, TARVER, THOMPSON, WALSWORTH, WARD AND
WHITE
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of David R. Voelker.
WHEREAS, born May 13, 1953, David Voelker was a native of Lake Providence,
Louisiana, to Frank Voelker Jr., and Virginia Wilson Voelker, and spent his adult life in
New Orleans; and
WHEREAS, his numerous and successful community endeavors included support
to the Academy of Sacred Heart, Stone Energy, Children's Hospital, Xavier University,
Tulane University Health Sciences Center, The Good Shepherd School, and the University
of New Orleans Foundation; and
WHEREAS, David Voelker, an investment banker by trade, was appointed in 2006
by Governor Kathleen Blanco, to chair the Louisiana Recovery Authority dedicated to
rebuilding Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, and became known as
the "great saint of Louisiana's recovery"; and
WHEREAS, he was active in a variety of nonprofit boards in the New Orleans metro
area, and a prolific political contributor, favoring national republican party causes, but also
contributed to numerous state and federal democratic politicians and directives; and
WHEREAS, in 2007 Mr. Voelker brokered an agreement, leading to New Orleans
and the state creating a fund with more than two million dollars to pay for a civil rights
judgment that threatened to bankrupt the Orleans parish district attorney's office; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Voelker was a man with an extraordinay character, described as
extremely jovial and generous, and focused on the improvement of humanity; and
WHEREAS, Nick Mueller, president of the National World War II Museum, referred
to Mr. Voelker as a strong Museum board chairman, who led the charge when the Museum SR NO. 162 ENROLLED
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was in crisis, and assisted to expand the Museum's rebuilding efforts; and
WHEREAS, among the numerous projects attached to his generosity is the Miracle
League, a baseball organization at Audubon Park for children with special needs that now
has more than two hundred and fifty participants and growing; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Voelker helped the League to raise private funds, along with getting
the Audubon Institute to donate land for a customized field, allowing the children to watch,
play, and experience special outings with their family and community; and
WHEREAS, described as a compassionate man by Jefferson Parish Attorney Paul
Connick, Mr. Voelker was referred to as a man who always answered a needed call; and
WHEREAS, in addition to community and state efforts, Mr. Voelker was known by
many whom he helped receive healthcare assistance, school tuition, and support in
identifying and retaining reliable jobs; and
WHEREAS, close friend Boysie Bollinger said, "David would be most proud of the
Legacy Foundation he created, allowing residents to indicate their wish to be an organ donor
by signing the back of their Louisiana driver's license", a concept since exported to other
states; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Voelker is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife Richelle
Voelker, his three daughters, Mullady, Audrey and Kitty Voelker, and their mother Ann
Donnelly Stuart, a stepson Stephen Crow and stepdaughter Lisa Crow; two brothers, Frank
Voelker and George Voelker; three sisters, Mullady Crigler, Mary Clauss, and Kitty
Mattesky, and Dr. Marie Budev, Dr. Rafid Fadul, Dr. Mladen Golubik, and the staff of the
Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express the sincere condolences upon the death of David R.Voelker.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of David R. Voelker and the doctors and staff of the Cleveland Clinic Wellness
Institute.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE