Kevin VonderHaar

Kevin VonderHaar was born in Hibbing, MN, on November 16, 1958, with bowling shoes on his feet. He

was the son of Francis (Fritz) and Louella (Hartman) VonderHaar and had a gaggle of siblings. Whether it

was bowling, fishing, or trying to keep up with his siblings, life in the VonderHaar Household was never

boring. At the age of 67, he peacefully passed away at his home on October 9, 2026.

From a young age, Kevin could be found at the bowling alley. It wasn't just where he worked, it was

where he belonged. For over 4 decades, the Hibbing Bowling Center was his version of Cheers,

everyone knew his name and he seemed to know everyone else's. From opening to closing, he could be

found running around the lanes, helping people and making sure everyone felt welcome.

Everyone who knew Kevin knew 2 things: he had a relentless work ethic and he had the trademark

VonderHaar stubbornness. Even as cancer stole his strength and energy, it couldn't steal his

determination. Towards the end, his family had to practically pull him out of the bowling alley so he could

enjoy a little time in comfort.

When Kevin wasn't working, he was usually on the lanes himself. He was an avid bowler and had the

scores to prove it. One of his proudest achievements was 18 perfect games, including one at the

National Bowling Tournament.

Kevin was the father of 2 daughters, Jennifer and Rachel, and later shared 25 years together with his

wife, Lisa. He was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren: Rory, Cole, Lucas, Maya, Cash, Dominic,

Rebelle, Roman and Anthony.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughters Jennifer (Nick) Toewe, Rachel (Chris) Kuenzli; stepsons

Jesse Makala, Aaron Olson, and Derek Olson; grandchildren, and siblings, Ann, Joanne, Phillip, Francis,

Janet, and Mark. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Lou; brother, Keith, and father in law,

Larry.

Kevin’s life wasn’t measured by the number of years he lived but by the lives he touched. He helped build

friendships, traditions, and a place where people gathered for generations. His smile welcomed

everyone through the doors and his and the VonderHaar legacy will live on every time bowling pins crash

together.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Kevin’s honor to Fairview Range Hospice.

Visitation and a funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 17th, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic

Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service following at 11:30 a.m.

Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Algonquin Club from 1:30

p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Afterwards, friends and family are invited to continue celebrating Kevin at the Homer

Bar and the Hibbing Bowling Center.