Mark Van Pelt

Mark H. Van Pelt, 66, of Duluth died Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

Mark was born July 15, 1951, to Jack and June (Smith) Van Pelt in Detroit, Michigan. He spent the first years of his life through junior high in the Detroit area, then he and his family moved to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. Upon graduation from high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mark received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Law degrees, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received a Vilas Fellowship while in graduate school and was Editor-in-Chief of Law Review his third year of law school. His varied interests led him to careers in education, law, and health care.

A lifelong learner, he was pursuing his doctoral thesis, incorporating two subjects that he was passionate about: democratic values and children’s education. His intellectual curiosity and love for learning was only surpassed by his love for his family. Additionally, he enjoyed coaching and following his sons’ youth sports, playing basketball, and engaging in community issues.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Jack Van Pelt. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jean Van Pelt; sons John (Cally Bartley) of Denver, Colorado, and Stephen of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter, Mattie Van Pelt; mother, June (Allen) LaPierre, of New York; sister, Lisa Bauer, of Laconia, New Hampshire; and additional nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  …… A heartfelt thank you from the family to all who helped with his care.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held Saturday, November 11, 2017, 11:00 am, with a gathering of friends and family at 10:00 am until the time of the service, at Dougherty’s Funeral Home, The family suggests memorials in Mark’s honor to the educational institution of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 Est 2nd Street Duluth MN, 218-727-3555.