Vicki Lynn Starbeck

Vicki Starbeck, of Montevideo, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Vista Prairie in Redwood Falls at the age of 62.

Celebration of life services will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hosanna Church in Shakopee, MN (1690 Vierling Drive East, Shakopee, MN 55379).

Vicki Lynn Starbeck (Peterson) was born on July 30, 1960, the oldest daughter of Ronald and Luanne Peterson, in Montevideo, MN. She was a member of the Montevideo Class of 1978. She was baptized at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson (1960) and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo in 1975. She attended Vocational College in Willmar, MN. Vicki enjoyed playing on 8-Ball pool leagues, gardening, spending time at Lobster Lake with her family, snowmobiling, family trips, and making friends with everyone she came across in her younger years.

On March 5, 1983, she and Robert Starbeck were married in Madison, MN and lived on the Starbeck Farm in Montevideo. They enjoyed taking care of their horses, steer and pigs (the pigs always gave her a laugh), camping, gardening and spending time outdoors together. They had 3 children, Patrick, Michele and Robert. Her children remember her as a mom who was always there, physically and emotionally. She seemed to be able to be in 3 places at once, never missing a choir concert, sporting event or chance to cheer on her children in their activities. Always the loudest mom in the crowd, her children never wondered about her love and devotion to them.

The family moved to Lakeville, MN and Vicki started a 30+ year career at Rosemount Aerospace (Goodrich,UTC) as a Payroll Administrator and Manager. She was known to coworkers as the person to see for answers to questions, candy at her desk, a laugh and a smile, and as a support in times of need. 

She began her most loved job as a Grandma in 2012, and would spend the rest of her life loving and adoring being Grandma to 2 grand-daughters and 5 grand-sons. Vicki left her job at UTC in 2019 to be a full time Grandma, spending time with her grandchildren was the true love of her life and brought her so much joy. Her legacy will be carried on through her children and grandchildren, her truest wish. 

Vicki was an active member of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville, and changed an infinite amount of lives through her service on Prayer Team, Pray for the Cure and Alpha. She also went on two mission trips to Ethiopia and was passionate about spreading her love of God and love of all people across the world. 

She is remembered for her big laugh and smile, her joyous nature, and her ability to make anyone’s day better with the right words or a big hug. Although she was technically a Mom to 3, countless people have had the joy and honor of getting love from Mama Starbeck in times of need. 

Always the one to arrive with a gift, “just a little something that made her think of you” it’s not surprising her gifting and generous nature would continue beyond her time on Earth. As her final act of giving, we believe she will continue to change and save lives through the priceless gift of Brain Donation. Due to the rare nature of Vicki’s Early Onset Frontotemporal Dementia (Primary Progressive Aphasia), her brain was donated to be used in research studies worldwide in an attempt to learn about PPA and discover medications or cures for this largely unknown disease. 

Vicki fought exceptionally hard in a fast moving battle with PPA, diagnosed only in July 2021. She was released from this disease on March 21, 2023. We are blessed to know that with her strong faith in the Lord, she is now in His hands and her body and mind are renewed. 

She is preceded in death by her father (Ronald), nephew (Cody), Grandparents (Elmer & Gertrude Peterson, John & Frances Pangrac ), Uncles (John & Orlen) Aunt (Arlene) In Laws (Arthur&Phyllis), Brother in law (Gene) and many more loved ones and friends. 

She is survived by her husband Robert, children Patrick (Alyssa), Michele (Joshua) and Robert. Grandchildren Leah, Charles, Luca, Cooper, Layton, Marshal and Ayla. Mother Luanne, Sister Janis (Dale), Aunt Peggy, Sister in Law Audrey, Many loving nieces and nephews, and too many friends and honorary children to count.