Stella Fonteyn

Stella Fonteyn, 79, of Staples, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home on July 7, 2025.

A Funeral Mass was held July 12, 2025, at  Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. 

Burial was at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Stella was born July 26, 1945 to Henry and Augusta Robben in Long Prairie. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree and dedicated 35 years of compassionate care to her work at Lakewood Health System. She was united in marriage to David Fonteyn on February 7, 1970 in Staples and together they built a life centered on faith, family and service.

A devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stella lived her faith in both word and action. She participated in medical mission trips to Africa and the Philippines, offering her nursing skills and loving heart to those in need. At home, Stella’s joy came from simple pleasures: sewing, quilting, gardening, fishing, canning, cooking and baking - especially her beloved homemade bread. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David; three daughters, Kelly Lingbeek, Brenda (Jason) Borash, Jennifer (John) Vavra; one son, Jamie (Christina) Fonteyn; eight grandchildren, Kaitlin (Zach) Olsen, Andrew (Anastasia) Borash, Breanna (Sam) Hess, Brockten Vavra, Brodie Vavra, and Addison, Jocelyn and Jaidyn Fonteyn; one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Hess; one sister, Rita (Gary) Stracek; one sister-in-law, Gloria Robben; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by one son, Jeff; two daughters, Mary Jo and Mary Kay Fonteyn; parents and two brothers, Raymond Robben and Richard (Stella) Robben.

Stella’s warmth, generosity and deep love for her family and community will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Arrangements were by the Taylor Funeral Home, Staples.

          w30c  A00006B2020JY23