Frederick Clares Vander Kolk was born on September 30, 1938 to Morris and Henrietta (Vanden Bosch) Vander Kolk in Pipestone, Minnesota.

Fred lived on the farm as a young boy, helping with many chores. He also helped with his two sisters, one being handicapped - needing lots of help with getting on the bus, going to school, and everyday life. During his teenage years, he started working at the lumber yard with his dad.

He worked as a carpenter and eventually owned his own construction business. He built and remodeled many homes, and volunteered many hours with community projects.

Fred married Donna (Tolsma) on June 3, 1960. They were blessed with three daughters; Evon, Sandy, and Jana.

Fred served on many church and school boards, and various community boards over the years. He enjoyed watching his girls play volleyball and other sports, and later, his grandkids in many events.

Fred lived in Edgerton his entire life, although he moved his family 11 times. He was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church. In their later years, Fred and Donna enjoyed living in Florida during the winter months, where they spent time on the golf course.

He passed away on Monday, September 9, at his home with his family after struggling with many health issues and lung cancer that took his life 3 months after his diagnosis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Henrietta, Donna's parents, Pete and Nellie Tolsma, one sister, Hazel, two brothers-in-law, Daryl and Larry Tolsma, a sister-in-law, Mary Tolsma, and his daughter, Jana.