Beth Ann Vandervest

Beth Ann Vandervest, 58, was born on June 21, 1967, in Rhinelander. Her childhood hobbies included waterskiing, alpine skiing, synchronized swimming, illustration, and painting.

After high school, Beth met Mark — her husband, soulmate, and best friend — and in 1999, they moved with their two children to Victoria, Minn., where they spent the next 25 years. There, she built lifelong friendships with their neighbors, dedicated countless hours to raising their children and supporting them in all their endeavors, and was an active member of their parish at St. Victoria.

In March 2024, Beth was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer. Her diagnosis devastated her loved ones, but Beth saw it as an opportunity to appreciate every passing day. She spent her last two years traveling — exploring the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, snorkeling in the Dominican Republic, eating lobster rolls in Maine, and celebrating her niece’s surprise engagement in Montana. 

She passed away on January 18, 2026, in the house she cherished, with her loving husband by her side. Her unwavering faith kept her optimistic, patient, and brave in the face of life’s most difficult challenges. She could always be counted on for her quotable moments (“if you don’t do stuff like this, you don’t see stuff like this”), her passionate support of the Green Bay Packers, and her commitment to open-toed shoes up until the ground was covered in snow. 

She is survived by her husband Mark Vandervest, her children Jacob (Tim) Vandervest and Megan Vandervest, her mother Alice Morrell, her siblings Amy (Dave) Gearing, Lynn (Tom) Johnson, and Steve (Sue) Morrell, and her beloved grand dogs Dragon and Orla.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Augustine of Harrison on Friday, March 20, at 11 a.m. Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony will officiate.

Immediately following the mass there will be a procession to St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery.

A celebration of life will follow at the Pizza Haven starting at 3 p.m. 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at http://www.hildebrandrussfh.com.