Marion “Pete” Vrieze age 83 of Baldwin died peacefully Sunday April 3, 2011 at the Baldwin Area Medical Center. Pete was born on March 5, 1928 in Baldwin; the son of Henry and Christine (Schouten) Vrieze. He was raised on their rural Baldwin Farm where he attended the Baldwin Christian School before graduating from Baldwin High School in 1945. He worked for Baldwin Produce before enlisting in the Armed Forces where he proudly served in the United States Army from 1950 until 1952; being stationed in Japan and Korea. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned and once again began working for Baldwin Produce (Anderson Distributors). Following this, he worked for his brother Wes buying and selling cattle as well as driving truck. Later, he returned working for Vern Anderson driving truck and delivering produce. On July 10, 1971, he married his soul mate and best friend Delores Mohn at Woodside Church of rural Baldwin. Delores, a widow and mother of four, soon became Pete’s beloved and cherished family. Pete’s main passion outside of family and faith was sports! He loved supporting local sports and was a mainstay for BW Football. He began as a spotter 40 years ago, continuing help with clock management and referee calling. Pete was an ardent Minnesota Gopher fan who had season tickets for football. Pete was also an ambassador and volunteer for the Baldwin Senior Center and a true man of faith; serving on various church councils or teaching Sunday School for churches such as Peace Lutheran, United Church of Christ, and First Reformed. Lastly, many came to appreciate Pete’s reminiscing of the old days as he was a weekly contributor of the Baldwin Bulletin’s letter to the editor.

Pete will remain an inspiration for his wife Delores, children Ann Langford of Zimmerman, Cindy Mohn of Washington, Glen (Dawn) Mohn of Hammond, grandchildren Molly (Tony) Ouellette, Larry Langford, Laura (Brian) Hall, Jacob Mohn, Stephanie Mohn, Jaime Mohn, Chad Mohn, Rachel (Dan) Aamondt, Ben Johnson, Bradley Johnson, great grandchildren Dane, Alyssa, and David; as well as siblings Robert (LaVerne) Vrieze, Ruth (Wayne) Veenendall, brothers/sisters-in-law Jean Schroeder, Harriet Vrieze, and Ruth Mentink. Pete joins his parents, son James Mohn, son-in-law Don Langford, siblings Lawrence Vrieze, Merton Vrieze, Willard Vrieze, Eunice Brower, Eugene “Wes” Vrieze, John Henry, and sister-in-law Evelyn Kerwin in the heavens above.

Funeral service for Pete Vrieze will be 11AM Friday April 8th at First Presbyterian Church in Baldwin with Rev. Brian Ewing officiating. Organist Kriesse Shaver will accompany the singing of Carol Lebo. Full military honors will be provided by the Baldwin American Legion Post #240. Interment will be in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Baldwin. Active casketbearers will be Glen Mohn, Jacob Mohn, Peter Vrieze, John Vrieze, Doug Veenendall, Keith Veenendall with honorary casketbearers being Larry Langford, Chad Mohn, Dan Aamondt, Tony Ouellette, Chris “Char” Flandrik, and Lisa “Trish” Johnson. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 until 8PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin and one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Memorials are preferred.