Bill Voermans, 78

Andrew “Bill” Voermans, 78, passed away on Nov. 23, 2025. Some men are shaped by the land; others shape it back. Bill Voermans did both.

Born in Whitefish to Andrew and Dorothy Voermans, Bill grew up on the family ranch at the end of Voermans Road, with dirt beneath his boots and the Montana sky above his head. That ranch became the backdrop of his entire life. It was where he learned to work, where he fell in love, and where he would raise his family for 59 years. 

Bill’s love of farming ran deeper than the fields he tended. He took genuine pleasure in the everyday work.  Timing the seeding and the harvest with the weather, fixing a fence before anyone else even noticed it was down, or checking calves before sunrise in his signature Papa Smurf stocking hat. He knew every bend of the creek, every patch of ground that needed a little extra attention, and every weed that dared pop up on his land. The land wasn’t just where he lived; it was part of him, and he cared for it with the same steadiness and quiet loyalty he gave to the people he loved.

A Whitefish Bulldog through and through, he carried the spirit of his hometown in all that he did. Track and field held his heart from an early age. It drove him with a discipline and determination that became his trademark. Fueled in those days by raw eggs and grit, he ran with a passion that set him apart, leaving behind records that still stand in the history books of Whitefish High School. His legacy lives on in every lap, every memory, and every life he touched.

He met Marsha, the love of his life, at the Northwest Montana Fair and it was love at first sight. Their connection carried through more than fifty years of marriage, laughter, and devotion. Together they raised three children and eventually welcomed four grandchildren who quickly became the stars of Bill’s world.

He poured his heart into teaching young people. He and Marsha started the Cattle Kings 4-H Club and served more than 40 years as leaders. He mentored countless kids in the livestock barns, in the field, and eventually on the shooting range. Nearly every 4-H shotgun student or instructor in the valley carries some piece of Bill’s lessons, or his humor with them.

For many of the early years, the Flathead County Fairgrounds were a second home. From junior barn superintendent to nearly 30 years of service on the Fair Board, he gave his time, sweat, and passion to ensuring the Northwest Montana Fair remained a place where agriculture, youth, and community could thrive.

He found his greatest joy in the stillness of the woods and the company of those he loved most. Hunting was more than a pastime for him, it was a tradition woven into the fabric of his life, a way to share laughter, stories, and countless early mornings with family and lifelong friends. Whether tracking deer through Highwood Mountains or a quiet stalk through the back woods, he cherished every moment spent outdoors. Those who joined him in the hunt will remember not only his patience and skill, but the generosity of spirit that made every trip feel like a gift.

In the spring of 2017, he and Marsha moved to the top of a mountain and built their dream home. With a commanding view, they could finally enjoy not only each other’s company but the peacefulness that only Montana mountain air can bring. Up there, life took on a quieter rhythm that fit Bill perfectly. There wasn’t a trail he didn’t explore or wildlife he wasn’t aware of. He befriended the neighbors as if he had known them for decades, he had a knack for that.

Bill loved hard, farmed honestly and held strong to his conviction. He believed in showing up—for his community, for his friends, and always for his family. Whether taking the kids gopher hunting, sneaking candy to the grandkids, or cheering from the sidelines at countless sporting events, he lived with a full and generous heart.

After a brave five-year battle with cancer, he leaves this world with a legacy woven into the land he cherished, the mountain he loved, the fields he tended and the countless lives he quietly touched. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever part of the Montana he called home.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Dorothy Voermans, his son Ryan Voermans, and his sister Marlene Becker.

He is survived by his wife Marsha, son Cody Voermans (Ali) of Kalispell, daughter Holly Manning (Tom) of Helena, sister Margo Voermans of Missoula, In-laws Don and Verna Swanson, Steve and Kate Tyner, Duane Becker, nephews Doug, Kevin, Tyler and Brad as well as his loving grandchildren, Mason, Lane, Kyler, Kaylin and Hendrix.

There will a celebration of Bill’s life at 2 p.m., Jan. 10, 2026, at Darlington Cremation and Burial Service. Donations in Bill’s name may be sent to Flathead County 4-H Shooting Sports PO Box 5026 Kalispell, MT  59901, or to the East Helena Clay Target Club that his grandson started PO Box 1280 East Helena, MT 59635.