Bill Vander Kooi

William Dean Vander Kooi (Bill) passed away at the age of 74 at St. Agnes Hospital, Fresno, California, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in March but remained positive throughout the many hospital stays and treatments.

Bill was born in Artesia, California on December 14th, 1950, to Peter and Catherine Vander Kooi. He spent his youth attending Valley Christian Schools and helping on the family dairy. Bill moved with his family when they relocated the dairy to the Central Valley and became very involved in his church and Bible Study Fellowship. He loved his many travel adventures, including backpacking across Europe, cycling coast to coast and participating in ministry trips overseas. Bill was passionate about Reformed theology and attended Dordt College in Michigan and Westminster Seminary in Escondido to further his understanding. After pursuing higher education at Fresno State, Bill found his true calling, teaching special ed at Addicott Elementary School and Rata High School in Fresno. He retired in 2021 but thoroughly enjoyed subbing and teaching summer school.

Bill met Janet Enns in 1997 and they married on June 13th, 1998. They made their home in Fresno and were thrilled to welcome the births of son Will and daughter Cate. They took many trips to visit family in Canada, camped throughout the western states and vacationed in Cabo San Lucas and Maui. Bill and Janet RVed to the coast, explored Amsterdam, and cruised Canada, Mexico, Norway and Iceland.

Bill was a committed Christian who served his church and community faithfully. He made weekly visits to teach Bible studies at Corcoran and Coalinga prisons and the Fresno County jail. He loved reading the Bible and books by Reformed theologians. Bill was so excited to tell others about God’s amazing grace and love. He was kind and generous to friends and strangers alike and was loved in return.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife Janet and their children Will and Cate. He is also remembered by sisters Sandra and Ann, brothers Ron, Rob and Pete, and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents and his sister Susan.

We will celebrate Bill’s life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Fresno Christian Reformed Church, 1639 W Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93705.

In lieu of flowers, Bill would have appreciated donations to the Evangel Home in Fresno (evangelhome.org), an organization that is aligned with his values and commitment to helping others.

You can join the live stream of the Celebration of Life Memorial Service by clicking the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84562122760?pwd=MicT8DvPG3xY779U4BXwCEeaFUUEx1.1