Wesley Scott Van Guilder

Wesley Scott Van Guilder, 29, of Lakeville passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024. He was an incredibly talented and well-loved person. He had many passions and gifts. He had an ability to retain information that aided him in many ways, especially during his Mock Trial competitions. Lettering both years he participated and achieving 3rd overall his senior year in the State of MN; Wesley was awarded a Certificate of Merit and recognized by the MN State Bar Association for his talent as an expert witness and by his team for Most Inspirational and Team Motivator. Those attributes awarded to him carried through in all aspects of his life. He created inspirational art, and through his work with adults and children with autism, he would motivate and provide care and support. His presence has been greatly missed and we invite all to come and share their stories of Wesley with us. 

The family of Wesley is hosting a one-year remembrance and celebration of his life and extend an invitation to you and your family to gather with them again as they continue to remember Wesley. The Gathering will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025 on the Grand Duchess through the Afton Cruise Lines, 98 Walnut St, Hudson, WI 54016 (located in Lakefront Park); departing at 12 PM sharp and returning to dock at 2 PM, boarding time will begin at 11:30 AM. Please RSVP to Gary by February 10, 2025 via email at garyvg01@gmail.com.  (Rain or shine everything will be just fine). You are also welcome to view the photo gallery or sign the guest book below. 

Original Obituary Posted in March 2024

Wesley Scott Van Guilder, 29, of Lakeville, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Gene Van Guilder, Joyce Van Guilder Dunn and Dan Dunn. He is survived by parents of Wesley, Bliss (Kirk) Washburn and Gary (Jeanne) Van Guilder; siblings, Madeline Van Guilder and Anna and Chance Washburn; and Grannie, Bliss Bancroft.

Wesley graduated from Lakeville South High School and continued his education at Hamline University, graduating with a degree in Psychology. He was an incredibly intelligent and compassionate person which provided him a special gift for working with adults and children with autism. He especially enjoyed helping children with autism as a behavioral therapist. Wesley loved to draw and create art. In his spare time, he liked to play video games and on the rare occasion he was known to perform some great dance moves. Wesley's spirit will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Mueller Memorial, White Bear Lake, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, with visitation from 11 AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Autism Society, https://ausm.org/donate/.