GARY JOSEPH VANDERKELEN

Died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was the first of twelve children born to Wilbert (Bill) and Eloise VanDerKelen (Vanden Langenberg) in Green Bay Wisconsin. His siblings include Jim, Janis, Michael, Jane, Bonnie, Gloria, Sharon, Clayton, Kathy, Bill and Tina. After graduating from Prebel High School, he continued his education at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, obtaining an engineering degree in 1962. He then moved to Washington and then Minnesota for engineering jobs. Gary worked for Honeywell, Metronics, and as a small business owner.

Gary met his loving wife Marline Plemon at St. Bernard's Young Christian group and they married on May 29, 1965. Gary and Marline VanderKelen became parents of three children Michele (Johnnie Claiborne), Anne (Michael Oliveraz), and Celine (Michael Garcia). They became loving and caring Foster Parents to many kids over the years who loved and regarded them as Mom and Dad, or Grandpa and Grandma, including Tammy, Tina, John, Mike, Meghan, Dawn, Matt, Molly, and many more. Gary was a foster parent in both Ramsey and Washington County for forty-two years. He was a dedicated grandparent to his grandchildren and loved playing with and being around his many grandkids. He was loved and will be missed by Jada, Justin, Jonte, Jeline, Christine, Conner, Jackson, Haley, Dylon, Annissa, Caleb, Onya, Ondre, and many more.

Gary was a gardener, bowler, bridge player, photographer, teacher, and Green Bay Packers fan. He was an engineer and bus driver. He was a community member of St. Rita's of Cottage Grove, St. Luke's of St. Paul, and Guardian Angel Church of Oakdale. He was loved by all who met him and was often seen with a big smile on his face. A generous man, he loved offering people his beer, coffee, and popcorn. Gary will be missed by so many.

Gary's service will be on October 13th at Guardian Angel Church, 8260 4th St. North, Oakdale MN 55128. 10:00 AM picture viewing, 11:00 AM Service, and 12:00 PM Lunch. His ashes will be kept at Sunset Cemetery 2250 St. Anthony Blvd. NE, Mpls. MN 55418 for all who want to visit.