Katherine VanderPlaats

Katherine VanderPlaats, age 98, of Bejou, MN, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at McIntosh Senior Living, McIntosh, MN. Katherine was born January 4, 1917, in Andover, SD, the daughter of Jelle and Agnes (Kuiper) VanderPlaats. At the tender age of 2, her mother died and the family moved to the Bejou area. She attended school and at the age of 15, took classes to become a mid-wife. On November 29, 1939, Katherine was united in marriage to Ed VanderPlaats at the Dutch Christian Reform Church in Bejou. The couple made their home near Bejou in Gregory Township where they farmed. Ed and Katherine were blessed with one son, Roland, and had the opportunity to raise a niece, Agnes Halvorson. Over the years, they also raised nine foster children and Katherine helped to bring 50+ babies into the world as a midwife. Ed passed away in December of 1995 and Katherine remained on the farm. In 2001, she fell at home and entered the Twin Valley Nursing Home for rehab. Since that time, she has moved to Cornerstone in Fosston and most recently, McIntosh Senior Living. While living in these places, Katherine truly enjoyed playing her harmonica for the other residents. Katherine was a generous person who was willing to help anyone. She gave of her time by being a 4-H leader and president of the homemakers club. Her talent of gardening, knitting and making crafts flourished as she worked with the youth. In addition to helping the kids, Katherine also enjoyed submitting her own various projects and was recognized for submitting over 225 entries to the Polk County Fair. Katherine is survived by her son, Roland, Bejou; special niece, Agnes Halvorson, Tripp, SD; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings: Martin, Lizzy, Peter, Fanny, Ike, Charlie and Garret. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 5th from 4-6 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, and continue one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Bejou City Cemetery in Bejou, MN.

Katherine VanderPlaats

January 4, 1917 - April 29, 2015