Robert Leroy VandenHoek

1934 - 2025

ROBERT LEROY VANDENHOEK

April 30, 1934 – November 11, 2025

Robert Leroy VandenHoek passed away in his home in Bakersfield, CA at the age of 91.

Bob VandenHoek was born in Clearwater, CA, the first child to Albertus Cornelius and Margret Louise VandenHoek followed by four sisters and a brother.

He grew up a farm hand milking cows before and after school. He graduated from Bakersfield High School then Bakersfield College in 1955. In 1956 he married Mildred C. Lackey and was enjoying married life when draft board invited him to serve his country. Bob answered the call to duty not knowing Millie was expecting their first son.

On return to Bakersfield, Bob took up working on the family farm again where two more boys were added to the family. Bob left the farm to work for Southern California Edison employed there for 27 years. Before retirement, Bob and Millie started a business of selling tole painted wood crafts calling the business Millie's Dillies.

Adventure called many times including, seeing all fifty states, hiking over Mt Whitney with his boys, a cruise, mission trips to Alaska, fishing trips on the East side of the Sierras. Vacationing with his family was always important.

He was ordained as a deacon in 1984 and was involved in Awanas at Valley Baptist Church.

Bob is survived by his sister Corinne, his sons and their spouses, Bob Jr. and Stacy, Dennis and Pam, and Randy. Two grandchildren: Cory and Cari, two great-grandchildren: Cylie and Ben.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three sisters and his brother.

Service will be held November 24, at 10:00am at Greenlawn SW Memorial Park, 2739 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA. Doors open at 9:00am.

www.bakersfield.com/obits