William Vollman (“Bill”), 50, died unexpectedly near Paris, France Jan. 11, 2013. He was the son of the late Donald and Dorothy Vollman of Walker, Minn.
Bill was known by many for his quick wit, his passion for politics and sports and his love for life and family. Bill was recognized for his many talents—musically in vocal, piano, and brass, forensics, and drama on the high school and college levels, and 4H activities up to the national level. He was a Rotary Club exchange student to Sweden for a year before enrolling at Luther College (joint BA music and French,) University of Chicago (MA Romance Languages and Literature—French,) and Georgetown University/ESSEC (France) (joint MBA in “Mergers and Acquisitions” and “Change Management.”)
Bill was the rehearsal pianist and section leader for Windy City Gay Chorus while under the direction of founder Rickard Garrin. He was also a member of the Windy City Slickers, a pop and show tune chamber group.
After acting as a communications specialist for several major Public Relations consulting firms in England and France, Bill founded his own consulting firm “Articulation.”
Bill taught masters-level courses in communications and business English and guest lectured at CELSA, La Sorbonne in Paris. He continued to perform, travel, and play tour guide in his beloved Paris whenever he could.
Bill is survived by his partner Francois Lussier, sisters Helen (Rainford) Martin and nephews Quinton and Cody of Milwaukee, Wisc., and Kani Sterling and one niece of Austin, Texas, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends. Internment is in Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise, Paris.
Gifts in Memory of William Vollman can be made to:
Luther College
700 College Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
If done by check, his name should appear in the memo line.
Memorial gifts can also be given online at: www.givenow.luther.edu/.