Noreen Elizabeth Van Voorhis

Noreen Elizabeth Van Voorhis of St. Paul, MN, peacefully passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 98. Noreen was born in Fairmont, MN, on July 2,1927, the daughter of Evan and Adeline (Sargent) Evans. She grew up, one of ten siblings, on a farm in southern Minnesota outside of Truman. She graduated from Truman High School in 1945 and went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture in 1947 and Minnesota Bible College in 1955.

On March 31, 1956, she was united in marriage to Clemons VanVoorhis. The couple shared life together for 53 years. This union would be blessed with two children, Glenn and Paul. While raising their family, Noreen worked for Honeywell for 31 years. In 1988, she retired from Honeywell while working as a Gage Inspector at the New Brighton plant.

Noreen cherished time spent as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She loved life at her home on Merrill Street, connecting with good neighbors throughout the 66 years living there. She made lasting memories while traveling with family on cross-country camping trips and, later in life, while traveling internationally. Noreen especially enjoyed her hobbies, working with her hands. She filled her time knitting, crocheting, tatting, sewing, quilting, or creating anything with fabric, thread, yarn and needles. She knit countless socks, mittens and slippers in all colors, shapes and sizes, many of which were gifted to family members and friends or donated to others in need. Noreen was part of the Minnesota Knitters Guild and Seniors Stitch-n-Chat groups. She attended church on a regular basis and enjoyed women’s group activities and Bible studies. Her life was full and well lived.

Noreen is survived by sons Glenn and Paul (Kathy); grandchildren: Scott (Jessica) VanVoorhis, Brett (Frances) VanVoorhis, Dawn (Jesse) Cirillo; great grandchildren: Leif Eckhardt, Asher VanVoorhis, Sadie VanVoorhis, Blake Cirillo, and Ellie Cirillo; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Noreen was preceded in death by her husband, Clemons VanVoorhis; parents, Evan and Adaline Evans; siblings, Elaine (Kenneth) Mitchell, Lloyd (Sybil) Evans, Leonard (Lela) Evans, Robert (Edith) Evans, Doris (Eddie) Hylen, Harlan (Anita) Evans, Doyle Evans, Donald (Shirley) Evans, and Melvin (Mary) Evans; and many nieces and nephews.

A family service will be held at a later time, when Noreen will be interred at the Horicon Cemetery in rural Truman, MN, near where she grew up and was married. Noreen’s family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the wonderful care providers of the Memory Care Unit who attended so lovingly to her in her final chapter of life. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Shalom Family Foundation at sholomfoundation.org.