Brian Ray Van Guilder, lifelong Nickerson-area resident, died in Essentia-St. Mary's Medical Center on Thursday, January 16 ^th , 2020 at the young age of 46. He was born on January 15 ^th , 1974 in Cloquet, MN to Jim and Randy (Bloom) Van Guilder.

Brian grew up in the area and graduated from Wrenshall High School in 1993. He went to work right after and spent his whole career working in construction as a heavy equipment operator. He was a proud member of AFLCIO Local #49. Brian was passionate about the great outdoors. From fishing our local lakes or the big Lake Superior, hunting all sorts of wild animals, participating with the Minnesota Trapper's Association, snowmobiling, racing dirt-bikes, riding horseback, and spending time in the Nemadji Forest were his favorite things to do. He was also devoted to his faith and was a member of the Oak Lake Lutheran Church. Brian will be remembered as stubborn yet kind, strong, smart, driven, hard-working, and understanding – but above all else, his roles as a loving father, a loyal Papa, and a caring son who always looked after his Mom, will be missed the most. "Always stay humble and kind".

Brian was preceded in death by his father, James Van Guilder; paternal grandparents, Sonny and Hazel Van Guilder; maternal grandparents, Rudy and Anna Bloom; uncle, Ray Bloom; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

His memory will be cherished by his five children, Tyler (Brianna) Van Guilder, Jordyn Van Guilder (Evan), Corina Van Guilder (Brad), Breanna Van Guilder, and Dalila Van Guilder; mother, Randy Van Guilder; brother, Rob (April) Van Guilder; sister, Amy Van Guilder (Chris); grandchildren, Sophie, Zachary, Easton, Maya, Olivia, and grandson on the way, Michael.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25 ^th , 2020 from 10am until 11:30am in Oak Lake Lutheran Church. Funeral will begin at 11:30am. Pastor Nathan Anderson will officiate.