Ronald Fred Van Woerkom

1941 - 2025

Ronald Fred Van Woerkom

November 5, 1941 - November 8, 2025

Alpine, UT - Ronald Fred Van Woerkom passed away peacefully on the afternoon of November 8th, 2025. He was 84 years old. He spent the last years of his life caring for his beloved wife, Ann Fowler Van Woerkom, who passed away a few months earlier on April 19th, 2025 at the age of 81, after a five-year long battle with cancer. Ron is survived by his five children Scott (Amy) Van Woerkom, Richard (Katherine) Van Woerkom, Daniel (Amber) Van Woerkom, Douglas (Amy) Van Woerkom, and Sarah Van Woerkom; and 19 grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Ron was born on November 5, 1941, the oldest of three children born to John Fred Van Woerkom and Virginia June Combe Van Woerkom (both deceased). Ron loved and watched over his two younger siblings Rick (Linda-deceased) Van Woerkom and Julie (Don) Leonard. His father's work took their family to Denver, Colorado, where he graduated from East High School in 1959. Ron excelled athletically and academically; he was a team captain and all-state football player and attended Stanford University on a football scholarship.

After two years at Stanford, Ron chose to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in the Netherlands and Belgium mission from 1961-1963. After his mission, Ron attended Brigham Young University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. While attending BYU, he renewed his childhood friendship with Ann Fowler and the two were married on August 16, 1965 in the Salt Lake Temple. They began married life in Provo, Utah, then followed employment with Mountain Bell and AT&T to Denver, Colorado; Chester, New Jersey; Sandy, Utah; Boise, Idaho; and Antwerp, Belgium, before retiring to Alpine, Utah.

In addition to football, as a young man Ron loved hiking and fishing in the high mountain rivers and lakes in Colorado and Wyoming. As an adult he enjoyed hunting in Colorado and Utah and fishing in Oregon and Alaska. Throughout his life he also enjoyed the OG hobbies of rock, stamp, and coin collecting.

Ron served in many callings as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Branch President of the Brussels, Belgium Branch during his mission and Bishop of the Meridian 18th Ward in Boise, Idaho. He had a great love for his neighbors and friends in the Canyon Crest Ward in Alpine, Utah, and cared for them deeply. In retirement his time was spent in church service, gardening, watching BYU sports, and spending time with his family.

A viewing will be held at the Warenski Funeral Home (1776 N 900 E, American Fork, Utah 84003) on Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 to 7:30pm. A viewing and funeral service will be held at the Alpine West Stake Center (327 Long Drive, Alpine, UT, 84004) on Friday, November 14; the viewing from 9:30-10:30 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am.

Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to Huntsman Cancer Institute.