Jerome "Tank" Victor Volk was born on November 4, 1954, in Strasburg, North Dakota, to Marcella Wald Volk and Mike (Michael) Volk. He passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at the age of 71 years.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM, Thursday, July 23, at Word of Faith Church, 1503 E Divide Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation with a time of sharing will be held from 4:00-5:00 PM, Wednesday, July 22, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, July 23, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Jerome was baptized into the Catholic faith by his parents on November 14, 1954, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Strasburg, North Dakota. He attended Emmons Central School, where he graduated in 1972.

Known to nearly everyone as "Tank," Jerome began working at an early age. His first job was working on the farm for Al Gabriel. In appreciation for Jerome's dedication, Al paid his tuition to Emmons Central, supplied the family with a hog each year, and gave Jerome a Honda Sport 50 motorcycle as payment for a year's work. That motorcycle sparked a lifelong love of motorcycles and anything with an engine.

After graduating from high school, Jerome proudly served in the North Dakota National Guard, completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Jerome proudly served for 21 years. After completing basic training he moved to Dickinson, North Dakota where he worked for Scenic Sign Company as both a sign installer and a snowmobile mechanic. Tank loved sharing stories of racing snowmobiles while working for Scenic Sign and participating in the famous river runs. During his time in Dickinson, he was thankful for the time he spent with his Uncle Wally and his family.

Tank later joined Deco Art, where he specialized in ornamental iron fabrication and structural steel work. His craftsmanship can still be found throughout Bismarck. He showed his sons the projects he had built, from beautiful spiral staircases to the decorative safety glass supports throughout the four waiting room floors at St. Alexius Hospital. He was proud to know that his work would remain part of the community for years to come.

In 1988, Jerome married Cynthia Brown, and together they welcomed two sons, Shawn and Houston.

Tank found the perfect job working for the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) as a bump master, measuring tournament fish and determining whether they were alive or dead. This opportunity allowed him to travel throughout the country while doing something he loved. His passion for walleye fishing flourished during those years as he fished waters across the United States. He landed his personal-best walleye at Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana, a catch he proudly shared with anyone willing to listen. Jerome also competed in many local fishing tournaments with friends, earning multiple Top 5 finishes. During that time, there weren't many people who knew the Missouri River better than Jerome and his longtime fishing buddy and friend, Killian Weigel.He enjoyed shooting pool and was quite proud of having played on the same team for 42 years with his friends Kelly Bertsch, Jim “Feef” Fetter, Don Grinsteiner, Killian “Killer” Weigel, and Duane “Shep” Johs (passed 2008).

Tank enjoyed building things with his sons. Together they fabricated go karts, race cars, and countless other projects. Later in life, his garage became his favorite place to spend time. He developed a true passion for woodworking, crafting furniture, bowls, toys, and keepsakes. He especially loved turning bowls on his wood lathe and was always quick with one of his classic jokes: "There weren't many projects that didn't turn out." He found joy in making toys and special trinkets for his grandchildren.

While attending a Professional Walleye Trail tournament in Devils Lake, North Dakota, Tank prayed the sinner’s prayer stating Jesus Christ would be his personal Lord and Savior.

Tank will be remembered for his mechanical talent, gifted craftsmanship, love of motorcycles, fishing, and his devotion to his sons. His legacy lives on not only in the things he built with his hands, but also in the memories he created, and the camaraderie he shared with those who knew him.

Jerome is survived by his sons, Shawn Volk (Michaela) and Houston Volk (Andrea); his grandchildren, Carter, Gabriel, Jonah, Emma, Jameson, Paisley, and Hudson; his siblings, Leroy Volk (Mary), Marie Job (Darris), Willie Volk (Arlene), Gerard "Whitey" Volk (Renae), Theresia Haugen (Les Veitz), and Anthony Volk (Jeff); along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcella Wald Volk, Mike Volk and Francis Streifel; and his nephew, Jarod Volk.