JOHANNUS (‘JOE’) VANDERHORST

It brings us great sadness and broken hearts to announce the death of our dear father, Joe Vanderhorst, 84, of Alberton Township, Ont., on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Joe was born on Nov. 14, 1934 in Fort Frances to Johannus and Huber-dina Vanderhorst.
He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Florence Truelove, on Aug. 8, 1958 and they raised five children.
Joe was raised on the family farm with his parents and sisters, Mary, Gunnie, Audrey, Christine, and Pearl. His father was ecstatic when he finally had a son.
Joe was a big part of the Fort Frances community, and was a hard worker and well-respected. He owned and operated two successful businesses with his wife.
Together, they operated a horticulture business in the spring and an agricultural business during the summer and fall. Joe grew the most beautiful flowers and sweetest corn and vegetables in the west.
He also worked for George Armstrong Co. for many years as a cement mixer.
He was a member of the Fort Frances Knights of Columbus and was a devoted Catholic.
Dad enjoyed camping, fishing, downhill skiing at Lake Tahoe, travelling, and spending time with his family and many friends. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle and will be dearly missed by many.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his children, Cheryl (Dan) Graziosi, Michael Vanderhorst, Barry (Roxanne) Vanderhorst, Kim Vanderhorst, and Nancy Vanderhorst; seven grandchildren, Travis, Aaron, Lucas, Brendan, David, Nicole, and Eric; three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Chloe, and Hazel Grace; sisters, Christine Lowey, Gunnie Noia, and Pearl Slyford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his wife, Florence; grandson, Andrew Spellman; sisters, Audrey (Wilfred) Tank and Mary (Jimmie) Lecuyer; and brothers-in-law, James Lowey, Bill Noia, and Jack Slyford.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Alan Albao officiating.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association by cheque c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.