1934
Darwin
2015
Darwin Vorst
October 7, 1934 — May 15, 2015
Darwin Vander Vorst, 80, of Mandan passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2015 with his family by his side after a year-long struggle with cancer.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Legacy United Methodist Church, Bismarck. Burial will be at the ND Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm, with a prayer service at 7 pm, on Wednesday, May 20 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Born in Westfield, North Dakota on October 7, 1934 to H.G. and Dolly Vander Vorst, Darwin was raised in Linton and Mandan. He graduated from Mandan High School and Bismarck Junior College. Darwin married Irene Hoesel in Mandan on May 12, 1956.
Darwin retired from North Dakota Job Service after 37 years and also served in the North Dakota National Guard. He was an active member of the Mandan United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer and trustee. The Elks was a very important part of his life; he was Exalted Ruler, State President, and was active with Elks Camp Grassick. Darwin was also a member of many other service organizations and served on the board of the Morton County Housing Authority.
A dedicated Mandan Braves fan, he will be missed at his bleacher seat – top row center court. Darwin enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and fishing, and especially loved hunting on his family’s land in the Westfield area. He loved spending time at his cabin along the Missouri River, entertaining, and cooking. Darwin enjoyed bowling, playing whist with his neighbors of 56 years, Walter and Jackie Buck, and also traveling to Alaska, California, and Florida. Darwin was proud to be a regular blood donor.
Darwin is survived by his wife, Irene; children, ReNay (Don) Zundel, Ronda (Jim) Mellon, and Bob (Kristen) Vander Vorst; grandchildren, Erica (Corey) Hager, Caitlyn (Charles) Hager, Parker Vander Vorst, and Lauryn Vander Vorst; great-grandchildren, Kya Hager, Gavin Hager, and Mason Hager; step-mother, Darlene Vander Vorst, all of Mandan-Bismarck; step-brother, John Cooper; step-sister, Diana (Alan) Westberg; five step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, H.G. and Dolly Vander Vorst.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Mandan United Methodist Church and Elks Camp Grassick.
Special thanks to Sanford Hospice for their loving care.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Legacy United Methodist Church, Bismarck. Burial will be at the ND Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm, with a prayer service at 7 pm, on Wednesday, May 20 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Born in Westfield, North Dakota on October 7, 1934 to H.G. and Dolly Vander Vorst, Darwin was raised in Linton and Mandan. He graduated from Mandan High School and Bismarck Junior College. Darwin married Irene Hoesel in Mandan on May 12, 1956.
Darwin retired from North Dakota Job Service after 37 years and also served in the North Dakota National Guard. He was an active member of the Mandan United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer and trustee. The Elks was a very important part of his life; he was Exalted Ruler, State President, and was active with Elks Camp Grassick. Darwin was also a member of many other service organizations and served on the board of the Morton County Housing Authority.
A dedicated Mandan Braves fan, he will be missed at his bleacher seat – top row center court. Darwin enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and fishing, and especially loved hunting on his family’s land in the Westfield area. He loved spending time at his cabin along the Missouri River, entertaining, and cooking. Darwin enjoyed bowling, playing whist with his neighbors of 56 years, Walter and Jackie Buck, and also traveling to Alaska, California, and Florida. Darwin was proud to be a regular blood donor.
Darwin is survived by his wife, Irene; children, ReNay (Don) Zundel, Ronda (Jim) Mellon, and Bob (Kristen) Vander Vorst; grandchildren, Erica (Corey) Hager, Caitlyn (Charles) Hager, Parker Vander Vorst, and Lauryn Vander Vorst; great-grandchildren, Kya Hager, Gavin Hager, and Mason Hager; step-mother, Darlene Vander Vorst, all of Mandan-Bismarck; step-brother, John Cooper; step-sister, Diana (Alan) Westberg; five step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, H.G. and Dolly Vander Vorst.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Mandan United Methodist Church and Elks Camp Grassick.
Special thanks to Sanford Hospice for their loving care.
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