Stella Fonteyn

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

Stella was born on July 26, 1945, in Long Prairie, MN, to Henry and Augusta Robben. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree and dedicated 35 years of compassionate care to her work at Lakewood Health System. On February 7, 1970, she was united in marriage to David Fonteyn in Staples, MN, 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; children: Kelly Lingbeek, Brenda (Jason) Borash, Jennifer (John) Vavra, and Jamie (Christina) Fonteyn; grandchildren: Kaitlin (Zach) Olsen, Andrew (Anastasia) Borash, Breanna (Sam) Hess, Brockten Vavra, Brodie Vavra, and Addison, Jocelyn, and Jaidyn Fonteyn; great-granddaughter Elizabeth Hess; sister Rita (Gary) Stracek; sister-in-law Gloria Robben; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

She was preceded in death by her children Jeff, Mary Jo, and Mary Kay Fonteyn; her parents, Henry and Augusta Robben; and brothers Raymond Robben and Richard (Stella) Robben. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Taylor Funeral Home in Staples, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will take place at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples following the funeral service. 

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

Arrangements are entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home, Staples.