On November 13, 2021, Nevin Robert Vrieze passed away from a sudden onset of leukemia.
Nevin was born on May 31, 1941, to Earl and Lucile (Baures) Vrieze. Nevin was a 1959 graduate of Wykoff High School. He married Gloria Danielson on May 8, 1965. They had four children: Kealon, Darin, Stuart, and Rhonda.
He had miscellaneous jobs before joining the United States Army where he was stationed in Arlington, VA and worked as military police. Shortly after leaving the service, he became a barber and had a shop in Lanesboro, MN. Nevin also drove a school bus for several years in Lanesboro. Later, he made his career with Tri-State Breeders. He left Tri-State for a short time to work for MoorMan Feeds, but later returned to Tri-State, which later transitioned into Accelerated Genetics. After retiring from Accelerated, Nevin drove coach bus and drove as a substitute school bus driver for Bernard’s Bus Service until his passing. Nevin thoroughly enjoyed his careers as he was able to travel and meet new friends everywhere he went.
Nevin was an outgoing friend to all. He was known as the jokester and prankster among his family and friends. Nevin would meet up with his classmates each morning for coffee and a game of cards or dice. He loved to play cards with family and friends every chance he got. He was well known for his goofy antics, visits, and storytelling. Spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his highlights as he immensely enjoyed the kids.
He loved life and being active. Nevin was an avid raccoon hunter and cherished the coonhunting community as he was an active member of the Root River Valley Houndsmen. He was a Master of Hounds and judged at dog shows and hunting events. He was always known to have one or more coon hounds, some of which have won national hunting events. Deer hunting, and ginseng and morel mushroom hunting were also among his hobbies. Nevin loved to fish and took several fishing trips with family and friends over the years and was a beloved member of the Mixed Nuts fishing group that took fishing trips on houseboats every year to Lake of the Woods.
He was an active member of the American Legion Post #492 of Fountain, MN. Nevin was also an active member and highly involved with the Masonic Lodge of Freemasonry. Nevin had a strong faith and was a member of the Fountain United Methodist Church.
Nevin is survived by his sons, Kealon (Jennifer) Vrieze of Harmony MN, Darin (Sheli) Vrieze of Mt. Vernon MO, and Stuart (Nikka) Vrieze of Rochester MN, his daughter Rhonda Willford of Canton MN; grandchildren Amanda and Austen Vrieze, Kristin (Josh) Lindsey and Owen Vrieze, Tatum Whalen, Brody Vrieze and Caleb Harris, Zachary and Emily (Cory Draper) Willford, and Grace Vrieze; great grandchildren Trinity and Everlee Froemming, Brooklyn and Marshall Draper, and Aiden Kriener; siblings Mary (John) Metcalf of Fort Meyers FL, Loren (Shirley) Vrieze of Rochester MN, Carole (Lew) Wilder of Hastings MN, William Vrieze of Green Valley AZ, and Donna Oeltjen of Lake City MN.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Gloria, his parents, brothers Burdette and Les; sister Janette Schroeder; brother-in-law Lester Schroeder, brother-in-law Gary Oeltjen, sisters-in-law Ruth Vrieze and Darliene Ask; and son-in-law Terrance Willford.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Faith United Methodist Church of Spring Valley, MN from 4-7pm and continue one hour prior to the service on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the church.
Funeral services will be held at Faith United Methodist Church in Spring Valley MN at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 22, 2021, with Pastor Deanna Woodward officiating. Burial will be held following the service at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston MN at 3:00 pm.
No luncheon will be served.
Memories and condolences of Nevin may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com.
Stuart and family, your Dad was a wonderful part of The Mixed Nuts. Everybody loved him. I personally will miss him very much. I feel so much for your loss. I am sure he is with your mother and they are very proud of the family they raised.
Nevin and my dad (Loren Schmidt) had been friends since country school.Lots of very funny stories. Such a kind and humorous man. I am sure they are catching up again. Thinking of your family,
Stuart and family,
Truly thankful that I was able to meet Nevin through the Mixed Nuts fishing trips!
Always enjoyed Nevin’s sense of humor as well as his genuine thoughtfulness.
Through our conversations and hello hugs, it was clear that Nevin’s family was very dear to him, as was his relationships with the Mixed Nuts.
The feeling is mutual.
Nevin was also very clear that he was more than just fine with catching & cleaning Northerns.
So thankful that we were able to connect on the Fall Trip, just weeks ago.
Nevin will be missed.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family.
My condolence to family and friends for the loss of Nevin.I enjoyed his presence as our Bus driver, storyteller and as another friendly addition to our Mixed Nuts fishing group. As a SouthEastern born (St. Charles, Mn.) resident we shared many fun incidents. May he Rest In Peace.
Vrieze family, My father, Jerry Jacobson SR was also a classmate of Nevin’s in Wykoff. I was able to meet Nevin at a couple of Dad’s birthday gatherings in Wykoff. Many of those classmates socialized for a number of years. It seems that they all enjoyed themselves. My Dad, along with Loren Schmidt & Tom Nash have recently passed away, I too also bet they are getting together in the after life.
God be with you all. Cherish your memories & your loved ones will stay with you.
Nevin and my dad, Bud Thompson, are hunting together again. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Nevin was a true friend to my dad.
So sorry for loss of Nevin. He will be missed by all the Mixed Nuts. Nevin’s first of eleven trips was 5/1/2010. His last was just this past September.
I worked with Nevin for several yrs at Tri-State, He was a wonderful guy. I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Lloyd Friske