Mass of Christian Burial
The Church of the Good Shepherd-
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Email Details
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145 Jersey Avenue S
Golden Valley, MN -
Visitation one hour before the Mass at the church.
Mary Ellen Van Hook
December 7, 1947 — February 17, 2021
Mary Ellen Van Hook
Mary Ellen (Thielges) Van Hook passed away on February 17, 2021 at Methodist Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Mary was born December 7, 1947 in Minneapolis, MN. She grew up in the Wayzata area and graduated from Wayzata High School in 1965. After high school she attended the University of Minnesota. Following her education, Mary embarked upon what would become a lengthy and successful career in the retail and gift industry. While working as an associate wholesale representative, she met and married John Van Hook, the love of her life.
In the early 1980’s, they created Van Hook & Associates, which Mary grew into a major wholesale representation company covering the Upper Midwest, representing both gifts and gourmet products. Mary opened a showroom in what is now called the Minneapolis Gift Mart, and was very active within the organization as a board member and past president. She was known far and wide in the industry both for her cheerful service and friendly, infectious laugh.
Upon retirement she continued to work shows just for fun and because she enjoyed being around people. She also became a member of the Golden Valley Federated Women’s Club. She became a driving force with others to produce the annual fashion show, which she loved both being in and creating the show and its themes. Mary was a member of the Golden Valley Gardening Club, a book club, and a lunch club, and was an Election Judge Captain. All were very important to her. She was also a proud member of the Golden Valley Senior Golf Group at Brookview. Mary was always looking for funny gifts for the ladies. She loved treasure hunting and finding a deal.
Mary’s passion was to travel, especially to exotic places. She was constantly in awe of the amazing places she visited and never stopped proclaiming on each trip how fortunate she was to be able to visit these remarkable sites like the Great Wall of China or the pyramids. Mary had the passion, energy, and the drive to plan, organize and get others to travel with her. On these trips, she especially savored the fine foods, wine and stinky cheese, as well as music, singing and dancing.
Mary made people happy with her humor, laugh and hospitality. She adored the children of our close friends and relished the summers when she could entertain and teach them to swim and dive, as well as introduce them to great foods and games. Mary’s sense of acceptance and love made everyone in her life feel important. She opened her heart and her home, creating a place where you could truly be yourself and feel loved. Affectionately called ‘Crazy’ Aunt Mary by her pseudo nieces and nephews, she set the standard for aunthood. Although not family by blood, she was family to many by love. She had a gift with the young and old. Everyone loved being around Mary.
Mary was preceded in death by parents, Peter and Mary Thielges; brothers, James and Charles; and sister, Marcia. She is survived by her husband, John; sisters, Dorothy Thielges, Theresa (Jeffrey) Welch, Betty (Vernon) Eriksen; brother, Michael (Irene) Thielges; brother-in-law, Tom (Patty Lavin) Van Hook; and nephews and nieces. She is loved and missed by all, especially her husband of over 40 years.
Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, March 3 rd , 2021, 10:30 AM at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 145 Jersey Avenue South, Golden Valley. Interment Ft. Snelling. Visitation one hour before the Mass at the church. Memorials preferred to Can Do Canines, 9440 Science Center Drive, New Hope, MN 55428 (www.can-do-canines.org)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Ellen Van Hook, please visit our flower store.
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