Teresa M. Van Pelt

August 11, 1929 - March 29, 2022

Teresa M. Van Pelt, 92, of Traverse City passed away at home with her loving family at her side on March 29, 2022. Teresa was born on August 11, 1929 in Hannah, MI to the late William and Nettie Ockert. She graduated from St. Mary’s School in Hannah. She married Chester Van Pelt on April 15, 1950. Together they lovingly raised four children. Surviving Teresa are her children, Debra (Jack) Petersen, Roxanne (Gary) Ansorge, Christine (Cliff) Redes and Michael (Juli) Van Pelt; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, with one on the way and a sister Rita Wright, brother-in-laws Alan Cleland and Sister in law Vivian Ockert. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chester, brothers, Claude, Edward, and James, sisters Valita Boehnlein, Rosie Schmuckal, Veronica Taylor , and Alice Cleland also her best friend. Teresa was a devoted member of St. Francis Catholic Church for 62 years. She was an active, independent and talented homemaker with hobbies including gardening, canning and always baked goods from scratch. While raising her children she became a passionate seamstress. She created many dresses for herself and her girls included wedding gowns. The grandchildren treasure the quilts that were uniquely designed for them. She also spoiled her grandkids with homemade strawberry jam and lots of homemade fudge. Her greatest joy was the new birth of every baby. Teresa's gracious welcoming spirit lasted until her passing day. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at St. Francis Catholic Church. A visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. with a Rosary prayer at 9:45 am at the Church. Fr. Don Geyman will officiate. Burial will take place at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cowell Cancer Center in Traverse City and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Teresa’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.