Everett W. VanderVoort, 83, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Everett Warren VanderVoort was born on Sept. 2, 1933 to Jacob and Minnie (Van Puersem) VanderVoort in Freeborn County, Minnesota. He was a lifetime member of Freeborn County. After his schooling, Everett began working. He was a farmer his entire life, and enjoyed what he did. On Oct. 14, 1961, he was united in marriage to Janice (Fogel) at the First Baptist Church in Albert Lea. Janice and Everett were members of First Baptist Church and were active in the Youth Group; they both served as Deacons, and were ushers as well.

Together, Everett and Janice were foster parents to over 93 children in the span of 25 years. This greatly enhanced and changed their view of life. In his free time, Everett enjoyed stock car races, tractor shows, and parades. He and Jan enjoyed going on car rides to look at the beautiful scenery. Everett liked to laugh, and he could easily make other people laugh.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Minnie; mother and father in-law, Arthur (Helen) Fogel; sisters, Darlene (Clayton) Stoa and Christina VanderVoort in infancy; a brother, Jacob Lee VanderVoort; and a nephew, Brian John Stoa.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Janice VanderVoort of Austin; a sister in-law, Kathleen (Gary) Richer of Lenexa, Kansas; nieces and nephews, Roger (Carla) Stoa of Austin, James (JoAnne) Stoa of Whittier, California, Dean (Yvonne) Stoa of Rushford, Minnesota, Charles (Holly) Stoa of West Des Moines, Iowa, Kristine (Lynn) Allas of Lansing, Minnesota, Kevin (Abby) Stoa of Albert Lea, Eric (Carla) Richer of Fort Collins, Colorado, Keith Richer of Kansas, and Adam Richer of California; close family, Theresa Potz and Justin Rios and their children, Gloria, Justin Jr., Cataleya, and Josiah; 11 grand nieces and nephews; 14 great-grand nieces and nephews; as well as many other loving foster children, relatives, and friends.

Funeral services for Everett W. VanderVoort will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at Bridge Community Church-North, Albert Lea. The Reverend Clayton Balsley will officiate. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

Blessed be his memory!