Stephen Wilford Vanderkooi

Stephen Wilford VanderKooi, 82, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022, in his home In Pocatello, Idaho, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Stephen was born October 29, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, to Wilford VanderKooi and Neta Shirley Bingham, but spent much of his youth in Rawlins, Wyoming, where he attended and graduated high school. It was in high school in Rawlins that he met the love of his life, Janice Ann Johnson.

After graduating high school, Stephen spent six months in the Air Force where he attended basic training and specialty school. He then became a reservist as he prepared to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Netherlands. This mission location was particularly special to him as his grandfather emigrated from the Netherlands. His mission set him on a path of a lifetime of service in the church.

When his mission service was complete, Stephen returned, and on June 17, 1963, he and Janice were married for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple. They began their life together in Provo, Utah, while he attended school and Janice taught second grade. When an opportunity arose, they relocated to Pocatello, Idaho, where they have made their home ever since. Together they raised five children, Nancy Jo, Michael Stephen, Scott Peter, Stacey Ann, and Rebecca Sue.

Stephen worked professionally for the United States Postal Service for 40 years. His last position with the Postal Service was as Postmaster in Moreland, Idaho. He developed many wonderful friendships over his years in Moreland and always spoke fondly of his time there. After retiring, Stephen and Janice served a mission together for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints working in the mission office in the Idaho Pocatello Mission.

He was an active member of his church and served in many callings in his life including Counselor in the Bishopric, Stake Clerk, High Priest Group Leader, and Bishop. Of all the callings he served in, his favorite was his time as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America program. While he never achieved the rank of Eagle in his time in scouting, he helped many young men including his two sons to earn this rank. He served countless hours with the young men of his ward in scouting activities.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Janice, their five children, Nancy Prescott, Michael VanderKooi, Scott (Gina) VanderKooi, Stacey VanderKooi, and Rebecca (Anthony) Nelson, as well as 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with one more great-grandchild expected in January. In addition, one brother, Mark (Jean) VanderKooi and one brother-in-law, Russell (Kimberly Burleigh) Johnson survives him, along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford VanderKooi and Neta Shirley Bingham, a sister, Barbara Alice Cullimore, and one son-in-law, Larry Prescott.

The family will have a viewing Monday, November 21, 2022, at Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck, Idaho, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Lakeview Chapel, 1440 Lakeview Drive, Pocatello, Idaho, with Bishop Brent Call of the Alameda Ward officiating. A viewing will be held from 10-10:45 a.m. that morning prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho.

Stephen’s family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and other caregivers including Heritage Home Health and Hospice for the many hours of loving service given to him.

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