With profound sadness, we announce the death of Zachary H. Voelker, of Cape Coral, FL on February 4, 2026, at age 35.
Despite battles with leukemia, an immune system deficiency and brain cancer, Zachary lived a full and joyous life. He never let his illnesses get in the way of his dreams. It was Zachary’s positive attitude and prayer-filled outlook that drove his unquenchable energy to give 100% to everything he did.
Zachary loved his family deeply. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Adalyn Voelker and his fiancée Santanna Hill; father, Val Voelker (Laura Bohinc); mother, Jane Hess Voelker; sister, Gloria Voelker; and many cousins, aunts and uncles including Nancy Hess (John Zautcke, MD), Laura Peterson (Jay), John Hess (Theresa Hauck), and Bob Voelker (Jennifer). Zachary was preceded recently in death by his maternal “Grammy,” Betty J. Hess.
Zachary spent his early years in Baltimore, MD and Arlington Heights, IL before moving to Twinsburg, OH in 1999. He attended Twinsburg Schools, Glenwood Highschool, and Cuyahoga Community College’s veterinary program. His passion for animals led him to Banfield Pet Hospital where he worked for many years in both Ohio and Florida. Nature was also important to Zachary, so he spent as much time as possible in Twinsburg’s parks, hiking and volunteering.
Zachary credited his cancer journey for improving his relationship with God. He loved working with young people on spiritual retreats and volunteering in other ministries as an active member of The Church of the Resurrection.
Becoming a blackbelt in karate was a dream come true for Zachary as he focused on building his physical strength and character to earn the title of Sensei. His kind patience and personal discipline truly shone when he taught and inspired many young students as a Twinsburg Karate Institute instructor.
Donations in Zachary’s name may be made to Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) at donate.lls.org; and his treasured “cancer camp,” campqualityusa.org/camp/ohio/
