Carrie Gehlen

Carrie Ann Gehlen, 39, of Duluth, passed away on March 29, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital.  She was born on November 4, 1980 in Oelwein, Iowa to Chuck and Gloria Gehlen.   Carrie graduated with honors from Duluth Denfeld.  She was a violinist, playing throughout her school years.  Her love of violin playing was shared by her daughter, Abby.  They loved playing together.  Clair Chopp was her violin teacher and is now teaching Abby in junior high!  Music was her solace.  She loved singing karaoke, especially Me and Bobby McGee by Janis!  From country to rock to Christian, she enjoyed it all.  A day didn’t go by without a tune or two from the Beatles.  Her two girls, named appropriately Abby (Abby Road) and Michelle (one of her favorite tunes).  Carrie was devoted to her life partner, Mike VanErt.  Their daughters brought so much love to them and to everyone they come in contact with.  Carrie lived and taught compassion.  When she was just four years of age, she began inviting strangers for lunch or supper.  On a more recent occasion, she invited the mailman in for a steak dinner.  He accepted!

Carrie (Bunny Butt) was a free spirit, always looking to turn hard times into something positive and fun.  Playing cards or games was a highlight to her.  She learned to paint on canvas.  Her girls inherited that joy, too.  Carrie was a great cook…she made fabulous meatloaf which she loved to talk about.  She taught her mother many of her cooking secrets.

Carrie will be missed by all of her friends at the Phoenix Group.  She loved them and continually tried to keep focused on the sober road ahead.  Carrie will also be missed by her fairy grandmother and dear friend Barbara Gehlen.

Carrie was preceded in death by her brother David, paternal grandparents Richard and Noreen Gehlen, and maternal grandparents Les and Sylvia Vorlicek.

Carrie is survived by her daughters Abby Ann and Michelle Elizabeth VanErt, her life partner Michael VanErt and his daughter Emily, and her parents Chuck and Gloria Gehlen.

RIP Bunny!

Visitation will be held on Friday June 5, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church 2430 W. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55806, from 5PM to 7PM, and continues Saturday June 6, 2020 from 10AM until the 11AM Funeral Service at Holy Family.  Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home.  3208 W. 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55806.  218624-1059.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.