Peter (Pete) Vlaminck

Peter Hector Vlaminck was born on March 29, 1950, in Marshall, to Cyriel and Lorraine (Bottelberghe) Vlaminck. He grew up on a farm near Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School in 1968. Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam during the war where he earned two bronze stars and a medal of merit. After his honorable discharge, he attended Willmar Technical School and earned a degree in farm management. On September 8, 1973, he was married to Myrna VanWechel. To this union were born two daughters: Sharyce and Shannon. The couple farmed near Minneota until the 1980s. Pete then worked for McLaughlin & Schulz. In 1998, he took over his father’s excavating business. He continued to operate this business until his death. Pete enjoyed fishing, farming, driving through the countryside and socializing with his friends. On November 17, 2015, he married his longtime companion, Kim Verschelde. Pete died on Saturday, December 19, 2015, surrounded by close family at his residence in Minneota, due to complications with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kim, of Minneota, daughter Julie (and Corey) Schmid of Sauk Rapids, their children Anna and Kirby, daughter Sharyce (and Greg) Baartman of Ruthton, their children Alex, Eli and Contessa, daughter Shannon Vlaminck of Mankato, step-daughter April (and John) Fales of Taunton, their children Jada, Truthton and Johnny, step-son Adam Verschelde of Watertown, step-daughter Abbie (and Ben) Verschelde of Taunton, siblings Mary (and Jerome) Jerzak, Audrey (and Ron) Weverka, Diane (and Larry) Anderson, Jane (and Jeff) Flood, Carol (and Doug) Hoffman, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.