VanVoorst, Dennis 'Doc' John 1949-2026

VANVOORST, ENGBERS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/23/2026 at 14:50:49

Dennis (Doc) John Van Voorst
April 23, 1949 — January 6, 2026
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Dennis (Doc) John Van Voorst, 76, of Overland Park, KS, peacefully entered into his heavenly home on January 6th, 2026. He was surrounded by his precious family and favorite old-time hymns as he joyfully out-boxed Parkinson's Disease for the final time.

The second of six children, Dennis was born in Sioux Center, IA, on April 23rd, 1949, to Hans and Eileen Van Voorst. He was innately curious, and from a very early age brought a certain spice to life in small-town Iowa. Graduating from Western Christian High School in 1967, he continued his education at Dordt College before moving to Texas, where he earned his Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from the University of Houston. He held a dedicated career as an optometrist in northwest Iowa for 45 years, eventually retiring and moving to the Kansas City area in 2016. He did all of this alongside his wife of 56 years, Sherry (Engbers) Van Voorst.

His family would best remember him for being able to build or fix literally everything, including new and historic homes for his family, classic cars, high-wheel (penny-farthing) bicycles, and anything his son wrecked, or sawing off platform sandals for daughters who didn’t like being too tall. He was also the best pre-dawn newspaper route chauffeur/joker his daughter could ask for! Every year, his family would look forward to his thrilling and endless tube rides around Ten Mile Lake (which only stopped when the gas ran out...or his forehead was sufficiently burned to a red crisp). This was followed by hours of fishing for “the big one”, as a break from his exhaustion from the phrase “Which is better? One...? Or two…?”. In addition to all of this, he always had enough energy saved for the best “giddy-up horsey” rides for his grandkids.

Dennis never shied away from striking up a conversation with any stranger, was the loudest cheerer at any sporting event, and was always the most engaging person in any room. His warmth, humor, and unwavering support will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Parkinson's was a thief, but despite it all he maintained his gentle spirit and lived a life that reflected genuine kindness and gratitude. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.

Dennis leaves behind his faithful and loving wife, Sherry, and their treasured family who will carry forward his legacy of faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ — 4 children: Jamie (Gwen) Van Voorst, Ann-marie (Brandon) Verbrugge, Emily (Joe) Contrucci, and Elizabeth (Eric) Van Maanen, as well as 14 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place on January 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, both at Blue Valley Church, 8925 W 151st. St., Overland Park, KS. Immediately after, the burial will take place at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 9501 W 159th St., Overland Park, KS.