Marilyn Amanda Van Pelt (nee Vetter)

Marilyn Amanda Van Pelt (nee Vetter), age 85, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 24th 2026. Born in May 1940 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Edmund and Virginia Vetter, she was united in marriage to William Peter Van Pelt in 1959. The couple moved from Wisconsin to White Bear Lake in 1969, where Marilyn lived for the remainder of her life, raising her family and creating a loving home.

She is survived by her sons, James (Gay) and Jeffrey (Sheila) Van Pelt; her grandchildren, Alexandra, Adelaide (Steven Crow), Sophie, Brett, Bennett, and Paige Van Pelt; great-grandchild, Teagan, and dear friend, Gene Haugen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Virginia Vetter; and her husband, William Van Pelt.

Marilyn grew up on her family's dairy farm in Dotyville, Wisconsin, where she developed a love for all animals - especially the many pets and farm critters that filled her childhood days. A spirited tomboy in her youth, she grew into a lovely young woman, inheriting her parents' understated sense of humor and genuine caring nature. She carried herself with quiet grace, strength, and determination throughout her life, and made it her goal to share these gifts with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, filling their lives with laughter, a warm smile, and a sense of purpose and unconditional love.

Marilyn enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, antiquing, music, touring through the countryside, and cooking. She turned her passion for cooking into a long-standing recipe column that she wrote for the White Bear Press.

Marilyn will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who touched everyone around her with her quiet strength and kindness.

Memorial Service 11am Monday, April 20th at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the American Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org/.