Teresa Kerkvliet

Teresa Marie (Stassen) Kerkvliet was born on September 1, 1915, in Fairview Township, Lyon County, to Joseph C. and Mary (Boerboom) Stassen. She attended St. Agnes Boarding School in Ghent and Country School in Fairview Township. In 1993, she achieved her lifelong goal of earning her G.E.D. Teresa helped her parents and neighboring families until her marriage to Nick W. Kerkvliet on April 22, 1941. They farmed in Vallers Township for many years. After Nick died in 1969, Teresa moved to Marshall. She worked for 12 years at Southwest State University in the food service. After retirement in 1981, she volunteered at the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store and crocheted over 2,000 caps for newborns at Weiner Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Teresa was a homemaker and a member of the L.N.O. club, the Extension Club and a neighborhood ladies club. She had a special interest in the history and genealogy of her family. She also enjoyed dancing, listening to music, gardening with a special interest in roses, sewing and fishing. For many years, Teresa ushered for funerals at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Her faith was very important to her, and it carried her through many struggles in her life. In 2006, Teresa moved to Boulder Estates and in 2008, moved to the Minneota Manor. She passed away peacefully on July 7, 2010, at the Minneota Manor. She is survived by her children Sue Johnson of Minneota, Lynette (and Doug) Hanson of Willmar, Becky (and Steve) Berning of Worthington, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, siblings Rita (and Ed) Van Dorpe of Minneota, Helen (and Jim) Clark of Marshall, Lawrence (and Beverly) Stassen of Walnut Grove, sisters-in-law Louise Stassen of Minneota and Margaret Stassen of Marshall, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Nick, parents, brothers Clarence and Eugene and son-in-law Joe Johnson.