Homer L. Van Oort

Homer L. Van Oort, 91, of Garner, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Summit House Assisted Living in Britt.

A memorial mass will be held at a later date.

Homer Lee Van Oort, the son of Herman and Ottolena (Barendregt) Van Oort, was born August 21, 1933, in Ashton, Iowa. He graduated from Garner High School in 1951. Homer served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Garner. On June 25, 1955, he married June Engstler at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They spent their entire married life in Garner, where they raised their family. Homer was employed at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for 43 years until his retirement. Homer and June loved following their children and grandchildren in all of their activities. Later in life, they enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their Lake Pepin home. Homer was known for his beautiful lawn and amazing vegetables he would grow in his garden. Nothing made Homer prouder than his grandchildren. They all knew that after visiting him, they would leave with a $20 bill.

He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and served on the Veterans Ceremonial Unit, as well as being a Garner Fireman for many years. Homer served in the Korean War and had a strong love for his country.

Homer is survived by his wife, June, of Garner; children, Julie Fuller of Marion, Joe Van Oort of Cedar Rapids, Rhonda (Ken) Krause of Marion, Rich Van Oort and his companion Roxanna of Florence, AZ, Mike Van Oort of Garner and Mary (Jim) Fisk of Garner; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry Van Oort of Cedar Falls; a sister, LaVonne Hanson of Kansas City, MO; a brother-in-law, Russell (Monita) Engstler of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law, Mike Pinneke and Michel Fuller; daughters-in-law, Leanne Van Oort and Sheri Van Oort; grandson, Nick Pinneke; and brothers, Dewayne, Roger and Cornie Van Oort.