Tawni Stark VanVleet, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at home in Brook Park, MN on Thursday, October 30, 2025 after a long and fierce battle with cancer.

Tawni was born at Kanabec Hospital on June 4, 1963. She grew up in Mora, MN and graduated from Mora High School in 1981. She studied graphic arts at St. Cloud Technical School and then worked in the graphics field for 20 years, including 15 years at Fingerhut. At the age of 40, she went back to school at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to study in the Physical Therapy Assistant program. Tawni worked in the Physical Therapy field for 20 years, including 19 years at Welia Health. Tawni retired in June of 2025.

Tawni married her high school sweetheart, Neil VanVleet, on June 14, 1986. They raised 5 boys, including a set of triplets, on their property in Brook Park. The joy of her life was her kids and grandkids.

Tawni had many hobbies including gardening, soap-making, knitting, camping, attending concerts, singing and playing ukulele. She was a Zumba instructor for several years as well. Tawni learned how to play the ukulele at age 50 and performed at many different gigs and venues over the years. She released a CD that included many original songs.

Tawni will forever be remembered for her outgoing personality, generous spirit, love of nature and color, and care for all people. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and made a lasting mark on her community and family. She always said the three things she taught her boys were: don't lie, don't litter, and be kind. Peace and love. Tawni made a lasting impact on so many different people and will be dearly missed.

Tawni is preceded in death by her parents Gary & Patricia Stark.

Tawni is survived by her devoted husband, Neil; sons Nathan (Rainer), Zach (Anna), Zane, Quentin (Jenna), and Quade (Jewelie); grandchildren, Ronen, Mateo, Kaisa, and Emmet, brother Todd (Melanie), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Braham Event Center on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Visitation will begin at 4pm with a service beginning at 5pm.  Pastor Katie Herman will officiate.   Please feel free to wear Tawni's favorite color orange or any bright colors.