Vicki Elsenpeter

Vicki Elsenpeter, age 83, of the Walker and Hackensack, Minnesota area passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2026. Vicki Jane LaFontaine was born on April 3, 1943 in Walker, Minnesota to Victor & Betty (Andrews) LaFontaine. Vicki’s father served in the military, which provided her with the opportunity to attend school first in Bradenton, FL, and later in Walker, MN until she reached the 9th grade. At age 15, her family moved to California where she attended school in Hawthorne. She was united in marriage to her school sweetheart, John Elsenpeter, on June 24, 1961 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hawthorne, California.

Vicki and John built the early years of their life together in Inglewood, Hawthorne, and Torrance, California, where their first two children, Sue and Mike, were born. In 1963, they decided to return to their Minnesota roots. They purchased Our Own Hardware in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where they settled for the next four years. During their time in Fergus Falls, their family grew with the births of Dave and Karen. Eventually, they moved back home to Walker, Minnesota, where they became active members of the community and involved themselves in the work of the First National Bank.

Vicki devoted herself to raising her growing family, creating a home filled with faith and generosity. In 1976, she and John welcomed their fifth child, John Paul, completing the lively household she nurtured with such care. In 1989, she welcomed her first grandchild into the world. That moment sparked a lifelong passion to create a special haven where all her grandchildren could build memories, share adventures, and always feel at home.

Her commitment to service extended far beyond her home. Vicki was deeply involved at St. Agnes Catholic Church, where her faith guided nearly every aspect of her life. She volunteered at the school, supported community organizations, and was known for stepping in whenever someone was in need. Whether gathering clothing, preparing food, or offering comfort, she shared what she had with a full and willing heart. Vicki’s Catholic faith was not simply a belief—it was a daily practice. She taught religious education, participated in service opportunities and parish events, and lived her values with sincerity and conviction. Her devotion ultimately inspired her to design and guide the construction and furnishing of the St. Agnes Adoration Chapel, a lasting expression of her love for God and her parish community.

Vicki poured herself into the things she loved — her faith, family, cooking, gardening and art. When she was in the kitchen, she wasn’t just making meals; she was creating moments. She loved to cook and entertain, and her home near the school became a natural gathering place. Kids, teammates, and friends knew they were always welcome, and she delighted in feeding every one of them. Her garden was another expression of her care and creativity. She found joy in the rhythm of planting, tending, and preserving. Her artistic spirit ran deep. Her natural eye for beauty and detail eventually led her into the design world, where her creativity found yet another place to flourish.

As the children grew older, Vicki started her decorating business, Je Suis Designs. This entailed decorating homes and businesses in Minnesota and Florida. She also worked with her husband, John, at First National Bank in the insurance department and, eventually, as the Marketing Director.

Having lived in Florida and California as a girl gave her the desire to be near the ocean beaches. Eventually, she and John spent their winters on Marco Island, Florida.

Vicki is survived by her husband, John Elsenpeter; daughters Sue (Paul) and Karen; sons Mike (Karla), Dave (Terri) and JP (Jo-C); Grandchildren Liz (Ryan), Jesse (Hannah), Salina, Brigitte (Cole), Olivia (Djurre), Nick (Payton), Preston (Emily), Luke (Heather), Sebastian (Mariah), Tristan (Ashley), Anthony, Anne (Holden), and John Paul; along with Great-Grandchildren Harvey, Henrik, Everett, Hugo, Poppy, Rosalie, Michael, Vincent, Damian, Eris, Lena, Isla; sister Toni (Morrison) Helm.   

She was preceded in death by Victor & Betty LaFontaine, Guy LaFontaine, Jim Morrison, Clarence & Sadie Elsenpeter, Mariana & Ned Goodwin, Lily Elsenpeter and angel babies.

Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Walker, MN. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Walker. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Agnes Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota. 

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