Bernard "Bernie" Van Vooren

Bernard “Bernie” Van Vooren, age 92, passed away on March 2, 2026 at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. He was born on July 11, 1933 to Ben and Emma Van Vooren in Larchwood, Iowa. In 1952, Bernie married his high school sweetheart, Alice. They were married for over 72 years.

During his service in the U.S. Army, Bernie trained soldiers in marksmanship at Fort Bliss. While working full-time, he pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Nebraska. He held numerous patents and contributed to several manufacturing businesses in Iowa and Minnesota. Later, he and Alice launched their own vending business. Even in retirement, Bernie kept moving—literally—delivering motorhomes, busses and garbage trucks across the country as a subcontractor. Together, Bernie and Alice explored most of the United States even reaching the Arctic Circle. A highlight of their trip to Europe was visiting the Netherlands, where Bernie met relatives and honored his father’s birthplace.

Bernie found joy in motorcycle trips with his sons, hunting, fishing, golfing, and cheering on sports teams and his grandchildren’s activities. He was an active member of the American Legion, Elks, Eagles and Moose Clubs. Bernie was president of the owner’s group at the “The Village Co-op” in Albert Lea for many years.

He was a proud father of four children: Rodney (Cindra) Van Vooren, Mark (Sue), Kevin (Karen) Van Vooren and Becky Knipping; Grandchildren Kris (Dominic) Andrist, Katie Rendler, Kelly Van Vooren, Carla Van Vooren, Alex (Aileen) Van Vooren, Ben (Courtney) Van Vooren, and Laura (Mark) Bellinger; great-grandchildren Owen, Fate, Nevaeh, Ella, Liam, Amelia, Madelyn and Mary Alice. Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, his daughter Becky, his parents Ben and Emma, and his brothers Paul and Donald. He is survived by his sisters Mary Wolff and Donna Haake and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 12 at St. Theodore Catholic Church. Father Kurt Farrell will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Luncheon will follow at Marian Hall. Interment will be in St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Theodore Catholic School in Albert Lea.