Eunice Ethel VanBaalen

Eunice E. VanBaalen, 86, of Hibbing MN, died peacefully in her sleep on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2020 at the Edgewood Vista in Duluth, MN. She was born August 1, 1934, in Warren, MN, to Wilmer Arnold and Ethel Agnus (Johnson) Laidley.

Sixty-six years ago, she married the love of her life, and true soul mate, Julius VanBaalen. Together they raised 5 children. Eunice was a true homemaker and loved every minute of it.  She always had a smile on her face while cooking, cleaning, transporting kids and patching up injuries.  She loved taking care of others and it brought her great joy to do so.  She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, gardening, berry picking and taking walks in the woods.  She has left us with many wonderful memories.

Eunice was a loving and proud wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She was so willing to participate in any fun activity that was in front of her.  She adored spending time with children and was always ready and willing to go sledding, skiing, snowmobiling and skating with one or all of her 13 grandkids, well into her late 70’s.  She shared her love and selflessness with so many of her family, friends, and even strangers that got to know her.  In the end, she left a legacy of love and kindness to bridge the time until she is reunited with her loved ones in heaven. “Death leaves heartache no one can heal.  Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Eunice is survived by her husband, Julius VanBaalen; daughters, Kathy Marino of Park Rapids, MN and Karen Jacobs of Cloquet, MN; sons, Randy VanBaalen of Hibbing, MN, Jeff (Beverly) VanBaalen of Hibbing, MN, and Rodney (Joyce) VanBaalen of Duluth MN; sister, Verna (Marvin) Stave, Davenport; brother, Donald (Melba) Laidley of Thief River Falls, MN; 13 beloved grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.    

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Willis Laidley in 1958; and sister, Marlys Helgeson in 2010.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Edgewood Vista Memory Care for their care and compassion.

Due to Covid concerns, a private family memorial service will be held at Sunrise Funeral Home in Hermantown, MN. The family plans to have a future gathering with friends and family at a later date (hopefully Eunice’s birth date on Aug. 1st), to further celebrate her life.

Interment at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw, MN.

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