Carl Volz
| Name of Deceased | Carl Volz |
| Date of Death | 10/09/2021 |
| Date of Birth | 09/23/1938 |
| Funeral Home | Koch Funeral Home |
Obituary For Carl Volz | State College, PA | StateCollege.com
In Loving Memory of Bud and Helen
Today, my heart drifts back across the years to a time when I was lost — heartbroken, sick in body and spirit, struggling to breathe in every sense of the word.
In those dark days at Penn State in the early 1990s, when sorrow and illness nearly swallowed me whole, a great man and his wonderful wife stood by my side. Their names were Bud and Helen, and their kindness became a lifeline.
Bud wasn’t just a friend. He was a quiet hero, a guardian of hope when I had nearly forgotten what hope even felt like. With patience, humor, and unwavering support, Bud — and Helen too, with her gentle wisdom — helped me reclaim pieces of myself I thought were gone forever. They helped me gather the shattered fragments of my soul and taught me, simply by being there, that healing was still possible.
Because of Bud’s loving support, I didn’t drown.
I didn’t surrender to despair.
I chose life.
I chose my life.
And in 1993, I left the cold and sorrow behind and moved to Honolulu, where I could breathe again — literally and spiritually.
It’s been 32 years since that turning point.
I am still here.
Still alive.
Still grateful beyond words.
Though time and distance led our paths to diverge, Bud always lived within the core of my being, part of the foundation that made the rest of my life possible. I regret that I didn’t stay in closer contact, but I know that if I had clung too tightly to the past, I might never have been able to build the present — and the future — that awaited me.
Now, upon hearing of Bud’s passing, I feel the ache of finality, but also the warm glow of everlasting gratitude.
I hope he always knew how much he meant to me.
And I believe, somehow, that he does.
Thank you, Bud.
Thank you, Helen.
For saving a life.
For loving when love was the only thing strong enough to pull me through.
For being there.
Always.
I carry you both in my heart, across the miles, across the years, across the veil.
Until we meet again.
Carl “Bud” Volz, Jr. passed away peacefully at his residence at Centre Cares in Bellefonte, PA on Saturday Oct. 9, 2021. Carl was born in Pittsburgh, PA on Sept. 23, 1938. He was the son of Carl Volz, Sr. and Helen Gougoulis Volz. When he was a young child, his family moved to State College, and, with the exception of a brief time in Altoona, Carl was a resident of Centre County for the rest of his life.
During high school, Carl met his future wife, Helen Louise Breon. Carl was a member of the State College Area High School graduating class of 1955 and an “honorary” member of the class of 1954, Helen’s class. Carl and Helen were married in August of 1958, after Helen graduated from Penn State. Carl went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Penn State, Altoona Campus.
After moving back to Centre County, Carl became an important member of the State College Community. In addition to working full-time as an electronics designer for Electronic Services at Penn State, he worked for decades as the Chief Engineer at WMAJ/ WXLR. It was in this role that Carl helped to foster the careers of many people who went on to become leaders in the industry. In addition, Carl served as an unofficial consultant to the Vice President of Engineering at Capital Cities Broadcasting Corporation. Carl’s love of audio and the art of radio gave him his greatest career satisfaction. This love extended beyond his vocation, however. He never missed an opportunity to volunteer to repair sound equipment or to build an amplifier.
After retiring from Penn State and WMAJ/WXLR, Carl continued to focus on his love of sound by working as a senior designer for Emotive Audio Designs, a company he co-founded with his son. Whether working in radio or audio design, Carl earned a reputation for superb quality of work. He earned top reviews for his designs in international publications. From the time he was a young child, Carl was fascinated by HAM radio. He was a decades-long member of the Nittany Amateur Radio Club and the Quarter Century Wireless Association. Known by his call sign W3SMV, Carl spent many happy hours communicating with others, whether by voice or Morse Code.
Carl’s love of music led to a life-long passion for the violin, and the bass viol, and the mandolin, and the tuba! Starting in school, Carl was very active in band and orchestra. He continued to hone his skills by participating in many musical endeavors including community theater productions, weddings, and programs at church. Carl was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall, PA and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County. He participated in musical programs including choir in both congregations.
Carl was an incredible father who fostered in his children a deep respect for curiosity, humor and helping others. Carl was predeceased by his beloved Helen in 2015. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Frederick C. Volz and Maureen C. Volz; daughter and son-in-law, Kira Volz Rensch and Mark B. Rensch; and three granddaughters, Alena C. Rensch, Amelia E. Rensch, and Kathleen A. Volz. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Waters of Palo Alto, CA, and his brother, Alvin C. Volz of York, PA. In addition, he is survived by six nieces, four nephews, and their families. Carl’s children would like to thank his caregivers at Centre Cares, Juniper Village and Fresenius Kidney Care for providing comfort in his final days.
The family will hold a memorial service and inurnment on a later date. Those wishing to donate in Carl’s honor are encouraged to consider Centre Cares, 250 Persia Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823 or any of the organizations mentioned in the above article.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College, PA Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.
Bud and Helen — thank you for your love, your friendship, your light.
In the darkest time of my life, you were there — steady, kind, true.
Because of your support, I chose life again. I found my way to the sun.
Though time carried us into different chapters, you are forever written into the story of my survival.
I am here today because of the love you shared.
Until we meet again, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Some people come into our lives
like soft rain on a parched earth,
saving us without ever demanding thanks.
Bud and Helen were that rain for me.
Their kindness healed more than they knew.
Their love gave me back my life.
I carry their light forward.
I will never forget.
Dear Bud and Helen,
I wish I could have told you again how much you meant to me.
When I was breaking, you were my steady ground.
You helped me find my way out of sorrow and back into life.
Because of you, I lived — not just survived, but truly lived.
Though life took us down separate paths,
your impact on my heart never faded.
I hope you always knew how much you mattered.
I love you both, always.
