Robert "Bob" Vanderkolk

Aug.4, 1935-July 21, 2025

Robert "Bob" Vanderkolk of Crawfordsville passed away Monday night in his home at the age of 89.

Bob was a trust officer for several banks in the Midwest, including several years at Elston Bank in Crawfordsville and the Effingham State Bank in Effingham, Illinois.  He was a member of many civic and fraternal organizations over the years including the Montgomery County Shrine, Masonic Lodge, Elks, Eagles, Chamber of Commerce, Crawfordsville Country Club and Rotary.  He served terms of office as the board chairman of the Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club and the annual hospital fair in Crawfordsville.

He was fondly regarded as "Mr. Athenian" at Crawfordsville High School football games, during which he donned the Athenian cape and helmet and wielded his sword enthusiastically to enliven and entertain the crowd once victory was secured.  He enjoyed going on fishing trips, playing cards and doing puzzles.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Born Aug. 4, 1935 in Dayton, Indiana, he was the son of Ralph and Lorena Vanderkolk.  He graduated from Dayton High School and Indiana State University.  He married Diane Buckley on June 6, 1958 in Greentown, Indiana.  She survives.

Surviving family includes: wife, Diane Vanderkolk of Crawfordsville; daughter, Kim Mirowski (Adam) of Crown Point, Indiana; son, Brett Vanderkolk (Miranda) of Columbus, Indiana; three granddaughters, Jacqueline, Sara and Julia Vanderkolk.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Vanderkolk.

Visitation will be from 11 AM to 1 PM Saturday, August 9th at Burkhart Funeral Home, Crawfordsville.  Services will begin at 1 PM. After the service, he will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery North.