Bill Vanderhoef

Bill V, Electrician Extraordinaire, was born into this world as William John Vanderhoef, Jr. He was a mischievous young man who could never get away with anything (though not for a lack of effort). His parents said they couldn’t give him an electronic toy because he would always tear it apart; he was meant to be an electrician even as a child. Bill worked for himself for over 20 years, not only claiming but proving he “could fix anything from a broken heart to a wooden baby”. When assessing a project, he was known to say “the impossible just takes a little longer”. Bill had the uncanny ability to change the tone wherever he was. He would frequently give directions by Stewart’s locations and arrive himself with a Stewart’s coffee in hand. Bill would go out of his way for his customers and his friends and would brighten up every room – sometimes with a light fixture, sometimes with a joke, but always with a smile.

Bill was always up for a good time, and his antics and personality made him the life of the party. He was truly an entertainer at heart and loved to dance and sing. He always knew a song for the moment (even though he may have made up the words), and right now he would be singing that “you don’t always get what you want”. He was enjoyed by anyone who got to spend time with him; he was genuine, kind, and warm. He loved animals and was constantly trying to feed the birds, squirrels, or anything he could coax close enough. He rescued bats at a worksite and put them in a doughnut box, labeling it “live bats” should someone get hungry before he could take them home.

Bill loved the outdoors, and while his hobbies changed throughout the years, he was always an avid fisherman. His latest hobby was metal detecting, or “dirt fishing” as he called it. He coined the phrase “in the pock” whenever he found something, whether it was valuable or not.

He lived every moment of his life to the fullest. Bill loved living and loved others who lived life with him. He would take the time to learn someone else’s passions, music, or hobbies just because he knew it made them happy. He didn’t care if he saw you every week or every few years, friends were forever friends.

No one wants to think of life without Bill Vanderhoef, but as he’s said, “growl we will, but go we must”.

In honor of a great man with an exceptional personality, raise a glass of Evan Williams Single Barrel, Crown Royal, Absolute Vodka with a “splash of” just about anything, or a good red wine. The family encourages you to upload stories, memories, videos, photos, or songs that will celebrate the times you spent with Bill.

Private services to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his uncovered expenses at the link below.