Long time Riverton resident, Robert Edwin Vandervort died at age 97 on Friday, June 19th. He was born February 4, 1918 in Tomah, Wisconsin the son of Robert M. and Inez (Lobe) Vandervort. Most of Bob’s childhood was spent in Tomah, however, the family moved to Pierre, South Dakota just before his senior year where his father managed the local Indian School. Bob graduated from Pierre High School in 1936. Following graduation, he moved to Rapid City where he attended Rapid City Business College and worked in a local bank as a teller. It was there that he met his wife, Cleo Schultz. They were married September 7, 1941.
With the start of World War II, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Force and served at March Field near Riverside, California and later at Lemoore Air Field in Lemoore, California. Following WWII, they moved to Rapid City, SD for a couple of years, and managed a ranch near Sturgis before moving to Tomah, Wisconsin where they lived for 6 years running a dairy farm. They moved to Riverton in 1956.
Because of his background in banking, ranching, and farming, Bob was hired by First National Bank of Riverton to become a loan officer with an emphasis in farm and ranch loans. He was eventually promoted to Vice-president and served at that level for many years prior to his retirement in 1983. For him, the most enjoyable aspect of his job was going out and visiting the farmers and ranchers who were customers of the bank. Using his humble, practical manner, and humor, “Van” earned their trust and helped guide them through the financial ups and downs of the industry making many friends along the way.
Bob was active in the Lions Club for many years and served in several capacities at Trinity Lutheran Church including the Board of Trustees and the Board of Elders. He and Cleo were very active in helping establish and continuing to support Trinity Lutheran School. Never wanting to be in the limelight he quietly served others, particularly reaching out to those in need.
Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter for almost his entire life. He got his last elk with one clean shot at age 90 and landed his last fish at 94. He was blessed to lead a long full life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Cleo, brother, Miles Vandervort, and sister, June Freedman. He is survived by sons, Charles and Christa Vandervort of Green River, WY and Robert and Vicky Vandervort of Omaha, NE, grandchildren, Julie and Tim Fehlauer of Sheridan, WY, Mark and Laura Vandervort of Bellingham, WA, and Michael Vandervort of Omaha; 4 great grandchildren, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday at Davis Funeral Home. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity Lutheran School, 419 East Park Ave, Riverton, Wyoming 82501.
On-line obituaries are available and condolences for the family may be made at: thedavisfuneralhome.com.
With the start of World War II, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Force and served at March Field near Riverside, California and later at Lemoore Air Field in Lemoore, California. Following WWII, they moved to Rapid City, SD for a couple of years, and managed a ranch near Sturgis before moving to Tomah, Wisconsin where they lived for 6 years running a dairy farm. They moved to Riverton in 1956.
Because of his background in banking, ranching, and farming, Bob was hired by First National Bank of Riverton to become a loan officer with an emphasis in farm and ranch loans. He was eventually promoted to Vice-president and served at that level for many years prior to his retirement in 1983. For him, the most enjoyable aspect of his job was going out and visiting the farmers and ranchers who were customers of the bank. Using his humble, practical manner, and humor, “Van” earned their trust and helped guide them through the financial ups and downs of the industry making many friends along the way.
Bob was active in the Lions Club for many years and served in several capacities at Trinity Lutheran Church including the Board of Trustees and the Board of Elders. He and Cleo were very active in helping establish and continuing to support Trinity Lutheran School. Never wanting to be in the limelight he quietly served others, particularly reaching out to those in need.
Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter for almost his entire life. He got his last elk with one clean shot at age 90 and landed his last fish at 94. He was blessed to lead a long full life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Cleo, brother, Miles Vandervort, and sister, June Freedman. He is survived by sons, Charles and Christa Vandervort of Green River, WY and Robert and Vicky Vandervort of Omaha, NE, grandchildren, Julie and Tim Fehlauer of Sheridan, WY, Mark and Laura Vandervort of Bellingham, WA, and Michael Vandervort of Omaha; 4 great grandchildren, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday at Davis Funeral Home. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity Lutheran School, 419 East Park Ave, Riverton, Wyoming 82501.
On-line obituaries are available and condolences for the family may be made at: thedavisfuneralhome.com.