Wesley D. Van De Riet, 66, Princeton

July 13, 1949 - March 24, 2016

Wesley Duane Van De Riet, age 66, of Princeton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis. Wes was born July 13, 1949 in Princeton, MN, the son of Wayne and Florence (Droogsma) Van De Riet.

Wes grew up on a dairy farm between Princeton and Milaca. He attended Community Christian School in Pease and then graduated from Milaca High School in 1967. Following High School he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1971. On February 20, 1971 he was united in marriage to Carol TeVelde in Pease, MN. The couple made their home in Princeton where they were blessed to raise three children. Wes was a faithful member of Bethel Church in Princeton where he served on the church council and taught Sunday School for over 30 years. His faith and his family were extremely important to him. He never missed his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities that they were involved in. He loved spending time and vacationing at the lake with his family. Wes was an avid outdoorsman; he loved fishing, hunting, vegetable gardening, and experiencing nature. He especially looked forward to his Canadian fishing trips and road trips with Carol to the Pacific Northwest. Wes was also a talented woodworker; he worked at Crystal Cabinets and Mycull Fixtures in Princeton. He was very social; he made friends and talked with people wherever he went. Most of all, he adored his family and was a very proud father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife Carol; children, Patti (Eric) Bjurman of Princeton, Kristin Van De Riet of Maple Grove and Michael (Karee) Van De Riet of St. Michael; grandchildren, Julia and Lauren Bjurman, Owen, Kennedy and Lane Van De Riet; mother Florence Van De Riet; siblings, Marilyn (Don) Hielkema, Lois (Dick) Ritzema, Phil Van De Riet, Bob Van De Riet and Lynn (Bob) Swanson; along with many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in law, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Wayne Van De Riet.

Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Bethel Church in Princeton. A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 with visitation one hour prior to the service, also at Bethel Church in Princeton. Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Princeton.