Burton E. Voss (Burt) died peacefully on Monday, January 13 at Glacier Hills at the age of 97 years. He was born in Fulton, IL on November 22, 1927 to Jennie and Charles Voss.

Burt grew up on the banks of the Mississippi where his interest in science began. He attended Central College in Pella, IA and graduated in 1949. In 1950, he married his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Jacoba (Jackie) Vander Lugt.

He earned his MS degree in 1953 from the University of Iowa and then served in the U.S. Army for two years before returning to the University of Iowa where he received a Ph.D. in Science Education. He accepted a teaching position at Penn State and then, in 1963, he accepted a teaching position at the University of Michigan in the School of Education. He retired as a professor emeritus in 1993. He loved his students and found great joy in teaching, guiding and mentoring them in unique ways. He was a teacher’s teacher.

Many of Burt’s doctoral students were regular guests at his family’s dinner table. Many more accompanied him on his summer treks into the interior of Ontario’s Algonquin National Park to take part in his extension class in biology and geology. Over the years, he led his students (and occasionally, his young son, Mark) in backpacking and portaging into this remote setting, emerging two weeks later, energized and bearded. He was a nature lover and an outdoorsman.

During his 30 years at the University of Michigan, Burt became a leader in science education. He was a consultant to the National Assessment of Educational Progress; the U.S. Department of Defense Schools; and the State of Michigan MEAP Assessment Program. He served as president of the National Association of Biology Teachers; the School Science and Math Association; and the Michigan Science Teachers Association. He was a leader.

He was an avid U-M sports fan. He enjoyed every team. Prominent or small, men or women, Burt followed them all. Some say that he took up golf just to get a better parking spot for the football and basketball games. He was a Michigan Man.

Burt was a man of deep and abiding faith who served the Lord, his neighbors and the community with generosity and wisdom. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, serving as both an elder and deacon. He was deeply involved in campus ministry and in the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor. He was a cherished friend to many.

Perhaps his most significant roles in life were as faithful husband, loving father and beloved grandfather. Unfailingly generous and kind, he was adored by his entire family. He and Jackie frequently gathered the family at their nearby lake cottage and on the beaches of North Carolina for sweet times of togetherness and for making memories. Nature walks, “scamping” in the backyard, fishing, and searching for wild elderberries are lovingly recalled by his grandchildren.

He will be missed but never forgotten.

Burt is survived by his sons: Robert (Debbie), David (Tonia), and Mark (Erin); grandchildren Annaka, Ryan (wife Megan), Emily (husband DJ), Rosie, Samantha (husband Eric), Connor and Gavin; great grandchildren Shay, Broc and Ash Lickly, and Wyatt Burton. His sister, Charlene Johnson also survives, along with many nieces and nephews.

Burt’s parents, his wife of 66 years, Jacoba Ann (Jackie), and three brothers, Marvin, Raymond and Gerald, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. A reception follows. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor at fpca2.org or to the Vander Lugt-Voss Scholarship Fund at Central College, https://web.central.edu/alumni/giving/onetime/ways-to-give/