Alice Mae (Zimmerman) VanOrt

Alice E. (Zimmerman) VanOrt, 90, of Willmar, died Saturday, October 16th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  Her memorial service will be 11am, Friday, October 29th at United Methodist Church in Willmar with interment in Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Alice was born August 26, 1931, in Willmar, the daughter of Lafayette and Ethel (Johnson) Zimmerman.  She grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1949.  Following high school, she worked for Town Talk Bakery, S&L Clothing and Willmar State Hospital.  For two years. Alice lived and worked in New York for Pan American Airlines.

After returning to Willmar, she was united in marriage to William VanOrt on January 5, 1954 at United Methodist Church in Willmar.  After working for the City of Willmar for eight years, Alice and Bill purchased Murphy Freight Lines and Furniture later renaming it VanOrt Moving and Storage of which they owned and operated until retiring in 1991.

Alice was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Senior Citizens and a dedicated volunteer and supporter of the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter.  Alice rescued eight dogs since 1955 never regretting anyone of them.  She also volunteered as an election judge for several years.  Whether she was having coffee at Cashwise, playing Skip Bo, or playing cards with others from church, Alice always enjoyed the company of others.  For over 21 years, Alice enjoyed women’s barbershop music by singing with Sweet Adelines.

Surviving are some dear friends and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill, in 2000, and brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Lucille Zimmerman.

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